Sun Jan 12 09:50:27 UTC 2025: ## Odisha Launches Luxury Bus Service to Maha Kumbh Mela
**Bhubaneswar, January 12, 2025** – Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched a luxury bus service to ferry pilgrims from the state to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The service, operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), will offer comfortable sleeper and seating arrangements on routes from Puri, Sambalpur, Bhawanipatna, and Berhampur, traveling via Varanasi and Ayodhya.
Over 200 pilgrims embarked on the journey on the first day. Women will receive a 50% fare discount. The buses will operate from January 12 to February 26, covering approximately 2,500 km round trip. Passengers will pay ₹2.50 per kilometer, with food included. OSRTC has also arranged tents at the Mela venue.
A 24/7 toll-free helpline (1800-345-1122) has been established to assist passengers. Tickets can be booked online (osrtc.org), via the mobile app, or at OSRTC counters.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena announced plans to extend the service beyond the Mela, including destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, and Tirupati. The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, expected to draw 40 crore participants, begins on Makar Sankranti and concludes on Maha Shivaratri.
First Piper 