Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today took stock of the preparedness for the world famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra to be celebrated on July 4.
Chairing the last coordination meeting at Niladri Bhakta Niwas here today, the Chief Minister directed the officials to complete the FANI restoration projects by June 30.
Naveen reviewed the power supply, drinking water facilities, drainage and law and order for the Rath Yatra.
He also appealed to the people in the pilgrim city for cooperation during the grand festival.
The State Government has decided to waive the toll gate charges at Pipili on National Highway-203 connecting Bhubaneswar and Puri for the devotees for three days on the occasions of Ratha Jatra, Bahuda Jatra and Suna Besha, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Pradipta Mohapatra after the meeting.
Arrangements have also been made to provide free ambulance service from July 3 to 15 during the festival of Lord Jagannath.
Earlier, the Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced to run 194 special trains to Puri from July 4 to July 13 considering the huge inflow of devotees to the city during the festival.
Besides, 200 buses will be plying to the holy town of Odisha and 194 special trains will run to Puri Railway Station during Ratha Jatra.
Work on the three chariots of the Trinity has reached final stage, sources said.