OSRTC has launched the new Shree Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service that will connect Puri with a slew of pilgrimage centers, including Ayodhya, Ujjain, Tirupati, etc.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has introduced the Shree Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service to promote religious tourism in the state.
Launched to coincide with the start of the grand Rath Yatra festival, the high-end interstate and intrastate service is designed to link the sacred city of Puri with some of India’s most holy pilgrimage centers. This includes revered pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Tirupati, etc.
The Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service has been introduced to give pilgrims a clean, secure, and comfortable ride as they travel to and fro to one of the most iconic spiritual cities in India.
The Shree Jagannath Express buses were initially launched by then Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 18, 2024, a day after unveiling the Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa or the Temple Heritage Corridor in Puri.
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A Divine Ride for Devotees
The Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service will operate air-conditioned, Volvo 9600 buses with semi-sleeper seats in a 2×2 layout.
Equipped with modern amenities like intelligent tracking systems and added security via the Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS), the new bus service promises a secure and seamless journey for pilgrims.
As of now, a fleet of eight buses has been introduced under the Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service, five of which will be operated directly from Puri. Three other services will operate from Bhubaneswar, Raighar and Bhawanipatna.
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Shree Jagannath Express Pilgrimage Bus Routes
Here is the complete list of routes that the Shree Jagannath Express Volvo buses will operate:
- Puri – Ayodhya
- Puri – Ujjain
- Puri – Tirupati
- Puri – Hyderabad
- Puri – Bhilai
- Bhubaneswar – Visakhapatnam
- Raighar – Hyderabad
- Bhawanipatna – Hyderabad
Connecting Odisha Cities
The Jagannath Express also assures to greatly facilitate travel across the state. Towns such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Rourkela, and Balasore will now enjoy direct access to Puri, enabling thousands to visit the Shri Jagannath Temple, particularly during the Rath Yatra.
Jagannath Express Pilgrimage Bus Service Ticket Price
To ensure inclusivity and affordability, OSRTC has kept ticket prices as low as possible. OSRTC is also offering a flat 50% discount for all female passengers. The Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus ticket price structure is as follows:
- ₹2 per km for males
- ₹1 per km for females (50% concession)
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Shee Jagannath Express Bus Online Booking
Jagannath Express Volvo Bus Online Booking is a simple and hassle-free process. Tickets can be conveniently booked through OSRTC’s official mobile app.
Click here to download the OSRTC official Android mobile app.
OSRTC Helpline Number
For OSRTC online booking customer support, you can contact them at the number 9513508001 or reach out via email at [email protected].
If you have any complaints related to online booking, you can register them by raising a ticket here.
Strengthening Puri’s Position as a Spiritual Hub
Officials from the OSRTC believe that the Jagannath Express pilgrimage bus service is not just an inter-state innovation; it’s a strategic cultural move.
The new bus service is set to establish Puri as a nodal point in India’s spiritual tourism network. With enhanced connectivity and world-class travel facilities, Odisha intends to set an example for other states to follow.
“This project will redefine religious tourism in Odisha,” an official at OSRTC commented. “We are not connecting cities—we are connecting people, tradition, and faith.”