Maha Kumbh Mela: Odisha Chief Minister Initiates Special Bus Service to Ayodhya

Bhubaneswar, Jan 12 (NationPress) On Sunday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated premium bus services from four cities -- Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna, and Berhampur -- destined for Ayodhya through Varanasi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the state-owned public transport operator, has launched these special pilgrim buses under the Transport & Commerce Department of Odisha to facilitate travel to the holy sites.

On Sunday, over 200 devotees from various regions of Odisha embarked on their journey to the Maha Kumbh Mela aboard these specially equipped buses featuring advanced amenities.

During the event, CM Majhi highlighted that Ardha Kumbha occurs every six years, while Purna Kumbha is celebrated every twelve years at Prayagraj. This year, the Maha Kumbh Mela will be observed at Prayagraj after a significant interval of 144 years.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is set to take place at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26, attracting millions of devotees and saints to this grand festival.

"Thousands of devotees from Odisha participate in the pilgrimage to Prayagraj, where they take a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam (the holy confluence of rivers -- Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) during the Kumbh Mela. Given the prolonged duration of the Maha Kumbh Mela from January 13 to February 26, I urge everyone to undertake this holy pilgrimage to Prayagraj," stated the CM.

CM Majhi further mentioned that the Odisha government has implemented various measures to guarantee a safe journey for pilgrims utilizing the premium bus services provided by OSRTC. Two buses will operate in each direction on every route. Additionally, all necessary arrangements for temporary accommodations at designated locations along the routes have been established by OSRTC.

He also noted that the bus fare has been reduced for female pilgrims. A live vehicle tracking system, panic buttons, and an advanced driver assistance system have been incorporated into the pilgrim buses. Managers have been assigned to each bus to ensure that travelers do not encounter any issues during their journey.

Furthermore, tents have been erected at Prayagraj for the benefit of pilgrims, and tour guides have been hired to assist them.

A 24x7 help desk has been established at the OSRTC office for pilgrims participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela. They can seek assistance by calling 1800 345 1122 or via WhatsApp at 78490 52205.

Moreover, OSRTC personnel have been dispatched to Prayagraj to provide comprehensive support to devotees. Pilgrims can book their tickets in advance through the OSRTC website (osrtc.org), mobile app, or at OSRTC ticket counters. The Chief Minister also announced that this marks the first time OSRTC is initiating a long-distance journey exceeding 2,500 km.