Govt launches direct buses to Maha Kumbh, women to get 50% fare discount
Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Sunday introduced direct bus services from four locations to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh Mela, while offering 50% fare concession for women travellers. The Maha Kumbh Mela commences Monday and will continue until Feb 26.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi virtually flagged off the luxury bus services which will operate from Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna and Berhampur, and travel to Ayodhya via Varanasi and Prayagraj.
“Over 200 Odisha residents began their pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela on the inaugural day, with passengers receiving various amenities during their journey. Since a large number of pilgrims from the state are visiting Prayagraj to attend the mega religious gathering, we rolled out the direct bus services for their convenience,” Majhi said, adding, “Initially, we launched four buses, whose number may be increased later. Passengers will get all basic amenities along with comfort during the journey.”
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has provided the buses featuring both sleeper and seating arrangements. Passengers can seek assistance through 18003451122 or send WhatsApp messages to 7849052205.
“For the first time, me and my husband are going to attend the Maha Kumbh. We appreciate the govt’s luxury bus facility from our city with a 50% concession for women,” said Sabita Mahapatra, a devotee from Puri.
Bookings are accessible through the OSRTC website (osrtc.org), mobile application, or local OSRTC counters.
Talking about the arrangements for the 2,500 km round trip, the chief minister said, “Passenger safety remains a priority for our govt, with buses equipped with tracking devices and emergency panic buttons for travellers. Drivers are skilled to ensure safe driving.”
According to officials, the fare has been fixed at Rs 1.50/kilometre, including food. The OSRTC has arranged tent accommodation at the Maha Kumbh Mela site and stationed their staff at Prayagraj to assist pilgrims from Odisha.
Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena announced the govt’s plan to expand similar services beyond the Maha Kumbh Mela to include routes to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple and Tirupati.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi virtually flagged off the luxury bus services which will operate from Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna and Berhampur, and travel to Ayodhya via Varanasi and Prayagraj.
“Over 200 Odisha residents began their pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela on the inaugural day, with passengers receiving various amenities during their journey. Since a large number of pilgrims from the state are visiting Prayagraj to attend the mega religious gathering, we rolled out the direct bus services for their convenience,” Majhi said, adding, “Initially, we launched four buses, whose number may be increased later. Passengers will get all basic amenities along with comfort during the journey.”
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has provided the buses featuring both sleeper and seating arrangements. Passengers can seek assistance through 18003451122 or send WhatsApp messages to 7849052205.
“For the first time, me and my husband are going to attend the Maha Kumbh. We appreciate the govt’s luxury bus facility from our city with a 50% concession for women,” said Sabita Mahapatra, a devotee from Puri.
Bookings are accessible through the OSRTC website (osrtc.org), mobile application, or local OSRTC counters.
Talking about the arrangements for the 2,500 km round trip, the chief minister said, “Passenger safety remains a priority for our govt, with buses equipped with tracking devices and emergency panic buttons for travellers. Drivers are skilled to ensure safe driving.”
According to officials, the fare has been fixed at Rs 1.50/kilometre, including food. The OSRTC has arranged tent accommodation at the Maha Kumbh Mela site and stationed their staff at Prayagraj to assist pilgrims from Odisha.
Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena announced the govt’s plan to expand similar services beyond the Maha Kumbh Mela to include routes to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple and Tirupati.
