Jagannath Express: In a major boost to religious tourism and passenger convenience, the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) is all set to launch the much-awaited Jagannath Express bus service. This special service, designed to offer pilgrims and travelers a comfortable and luxurious journey, will commence operations from Tuesday, just ahead of the world-famous Rath Yatra festival in Puri.
The Jagannath Express buses, easily recognizable by their distinct saffron-colored exteriors, are equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant travel experience. The buses are part of the state government’s initiative to promote spiritual tourism and improve long-distance bus connectivity from Puri to major religious centers across the country.
Connecting Puri to Major Pilgrimage Destinations
While the Jagannath Express will serve passengers within Odisha, its unique offering lies in its interstate connectivity to some of the country’s most revered religious sites. The initial list of destinations outside the state includes:
- Puri – Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Ram and home to the newly inaugurated Ram Mandir.
- Puri – Ujjain: One of the holiest cities in India and home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
- Puri – Tirupati: Famous for the Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited temples in the world.
- Puri – Hyderabad: A major cultural and religious center in South India.
- Puri – Bhilai: An important city with a growing number of devotees traveling to and from Odisha.
- Bhubaneswar – Visakhapatnam: Connecting Odisha’s capital with the scenic coastal city of Andhra Pradesh.
- Raighar – Hyderabad: A major cultural and religious center in South India.
- Bhawanipatna – Hyderabad: Ensuring better access for people from western Odisha to southern India.
Intra-State Connectivity to Puri
In addition to these interstate routes, OSRTC has also announced that Jagannath Express buses will run from all major cities in Odisha to Puri, making it easier for devotees from across the state to attend the Rath Yatra and visit the Shri Jagannath Temple. Cities expected to be covered include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Rourkela, Balasore, and others.
A Step Toward Comfortable and Spiritual Travel
The launch of the Jagannath Express marks a significant step in enhancing religious tourism infrastructure in Odisha. With Rath Yatra drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, this dedicated bus service aims to streamline travel logistics while offering a safer, cleaner, and more spiritual journey.
According to OSRTC officials, all preparations have been finalized, and the buses will operate with regular schedules, ticketing systems, and safety protocols in place.
