Rath Yatra 2022: Special trains to and from Puri for pilgrims

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said Railway is planning to run special trains to and from Puri during Rath Yatra 2022 period for smooth travel and convenience of the pilgrims.

Vaishnaw informed that Railway is taking necessary steps to accommodate pilgrims during ensuing Car Festival (Rath Yatra).

As Rath Yatra was organized without pilgrims since last two years due to Covid 19 protocols, Railway expects much more pilgrims will be gathered at Puri, this year.

The Minister attended the 8th International Day of Yoga at magnificent Sun Temple at Konark on Tuesday.More than two thousand five hundred people including various Central Government Organizations, students of various schools & colleges along with Yoga experts participated in the mega event held at Konark Temple, this morning.

Addressing the participants, Vaishnaw said that regular Yoga practice helps to stay energetic and have strong immune system.

Yoga is an ancient high ascetic practice originated in India that combines physical, mental and spiritual pursuits to achieve harmony of the body and mind. There are numerous benefits of practicing yoga which leads for humanity.

Remembering Swami Vivekananda who introduced the culture, tradition and heritage of the country in the whole world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Yoga in the whole world for the humanity. In, United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 decided to celebrate International Day of Yoga which was implemented world wide since 21st June, 2015.

Sharad Kumar Srivastav, General Manager (I/C), East Coast Railway; Chief Post Master General Subendu Kumar Swain; Sri Sri University Vice Chancellor Prof. B.R.Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager, Khurda Road Rinkesh Ray graced the occasion at Konark Temple. Officials from Archeological Survey of India, Ministry of Ayush, Central Reserve Police Force, Para Military Forces of Government of India and other Central Government Institutions participated in the mega event.

LVS Patrudu, Chief Personnel Officer (Administration) of East Coast Railway was the nodal officer for this mega event.

Later, Vaishnaw inspected Puri Railway Station and reviewed the proposed developmental works as World Class Station which will be constructed very soon.

Vaishnaw also said that the redevelopment works of Puri Railway Station will be a State-Of-The Art Station in a World Class Model.