Bhubaneswar, July 4: Special trains to Puri and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the railway station will help East Coast Railway to tackle rush of tourists and possible criminal acts during rath yatra.

While the railway will run 82 special trains to meet the large number of Puri-bound pilgrims, CCTV cameras at Puri railway station will keep a tab on criminal elements.

A railway official said apart from these twin measures, they would also set up extra counters, drinking water kiosks and rest sheds for the devotees. He also assured that efforts would be made to maintain cleanliness and provide medical assistance to the pilgrims.

The special trains will run on the days of Gundicha yatra (July 10), sandhya darshan (July 17), bahuda yatra (July 18) and suna vesha (July 19).

The railway will also reschedule six trains, divert five and extend the journey of six others to Puri.

“On these days, the trains will run to and from Puri. We are also planning to run some special trains on July 20, the day after suna vesha. Many extra coaches will be put into service,” said divisional railway manager (Khurda Road) S.K. Mohanty.

A railway police official said elaborate safety arrangements would be made at Puri railway station.

Approximately 500 Railway Protection Forces (RPF) and over 750 officers and jawans of the Government Railway Police will be mobilised at various locations for round-the-clock deployment, while sniffer dogs will also be pressed into action.

Three hundred home guards will be deployed to assist the forces.

Fire service personnel will also be available at the railway station and other locations in Puri. “We will keep watch on trouble-makers through 24 cameras installed at various locations,” said superintendent of RPF K.S. Kawar.

A railway official said 35 ticket counters would be opened at Puri railway station during the festive period. Other railway station would also have additional booking counters.

Railway is also planning to have help desks and additional enquiry counters in Puri and other stations to facilitate smooth movement of tourists.

The railway will set up a shed near the station to seat over 4,000 people. Round-the-clock drinking water facilities for passengers will be available and food kiosks set up in Puri and other stations on the route.

The railway authorities will ensure uncut power supply at the station and try to install additional lights in the surrounding areas.

The railway will also provide assistance to the temple administration by providing trained work force in case the chariots carrying the deities suffer any technical snag during the rath yatra.