Puri to Ayodhya: ‘Shree Jagannath Express’ Premium Bus Service Boosts Pilgrimage Tourism

Puri to Ayodhya: ‘Shree Jagannath Express’ Premium Bus Service Boosts Pilgrimage Tourism

In a significant move to enhance religious and cultural tourism, the Odisha government has launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Express’, a premium interstate bus service that will connect Puri to major pilgrimage destinations across India, including Ayodhya, Ujjain, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Bhilai.

Launched on Wednesday, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Shreekhetra (Puri) as a central spiritual hub, making long-distance travel more comfortable, accessible, and reliable for devotees. As part of the rollout, eight Super Premium OSRTC buses were flagged off, five of which will operate directly from Puri.

Route Map: Linking Spiritual India

The new fleet under the Shree Jagannath Express will run between Puri and key religious destinations. Additionally, OSRTC will operate services from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, further improving interstate connectivity.

Women-Friendly and Affordable

The fare structure is designed to be inclusive. Men will be charged Rs 2/km, while women will pay only Rs 1/km, thanks to a 50% concession — making spiritual travel more accessible for all.

Focus on Comfort, Tech & Safety

Each Super Premium bus is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a smooth, long-distance journey. To enhance safety and monitoring, the Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) has also been introduced for improved operational efficiency.

Puri as the Pilgrimage Nucleus

By launching this initiative from Puri Municipality Bus Terminal, the government is cementing Puri’s role as a vital religious transit point. As the home of the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri is now better connected than ever to India’s key spiritual circuits.

This initiative reflects the growing demand for well-organised religious tourism post-pandemic and serves as a model that other states could replicate in the future.