Puri Railway Station

Puri Railway Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide for Puri, India

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Puri Railway Station serves as the principal gateway to Puri, Odisha—a city steeped in religious, cultural, and historical significance. Each year, millions of pilgrims and tourists pass through this station, drawn by the sacred Jagannath Temple, the vibrant Rath Yatra festival, and the city’s coastal charm. Puri Railway Station is not just a transit point; it’s a crucial part of the city’s spiritual and cultural heartbeat, providing seamless connectivity, modern amenities, and easy access to Puri’s renowned sites (Tours Orissa; Chardham Pilgrimage Tour).

Undergoing a major transformation as part of the Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the station now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, improved accessibility, and design elements that echo Odisha’s Kalinga architectural heritage (Construction World; Financial Express). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Puri Railway Station, including its history, modern amenities, ticketing, travel protocols, nearby attractions, and practical visitor information.

Historical Overview

Puri Railway Station’s origins date back to the British colonial era, established to accommodate the city’s status as a major pilgrimage destination. Over the decades, it evolved from a modest stop into a major terminal, now connecting Puri directly with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai (Chardham Pilgrimage Tour). The station’s role is particularly crucial during the annual Rath Yatra festival, when it manages one of the world’s largest influxes of pilgrims with special train services and extensive crowd management (SOTC Blog).

Architectural Highlights and Modernization

Reflecting Odisha’s heritage, Puri Railway Station’s ongoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme integrates Kalinga temple-inspired architecture with modern passenger amenities. The station is being upgraded with a new G+3 terminal building, expanded concourses, digital information systems, Wi-Fi, elevators, escalators, tactile guidance for the visually impaired, and robust safety features. Parking facilities now include dedicated spaces for electric vehicles (Inventiva; News On Projects).

Sustainability initiatives include green building certification, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, solid and liquid waste management, and landscaped green spaces (Metro Rail News).

Visitor Information

Operating Hours

Station Hours: 24/7, accommodating all train arrivals and departures.
Ticket Counters: Generally from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Online ticketing is available anytime via the IRCTC website and mobile apps.

Ticketing

Online: Use IRCTC or authorized travel portals.
At Station: Counters serve all classes, with priority counters for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
Fares: Vary by class and destination (e.g., sleeper class from INR 100–200 for short distances).

Tip: Book early during festivals like Rath Yatra due to high demand (travelsetu.com).

Facilities

Spacious waiting halls, clean restrooms, food courts, and Divyangjan-friendly infrastructure (ramps, tactile paths, accessible toilets).
Digital signage, CCTV surveillance, and clear passenger flow management.
Accommodation options include retiring rooms, dormitories, and the revamped Yatri Niwas.

Transport and Connectivity

Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available outside the station.
Puri Bus Station is adjacent for city and intercity travel.
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (60 km away). Taxis and buses connect directly to Puri (tripxl.com).

Rail Connectivity and Major Routes

Puri Railway Station (code: PURI) is a terminal station in the East Coast Railway zone:

From Kolkata: Howrah-Puri Express, Kolkata-Puri Express; 8–12 hours (chanakyabnrpuri.com).
From Delhi: New Delhi-Puri Express, Purushottam Express; 24–36 hours (mypuritour.com).
From Mumbai: Lokmanya Tilak-Puri Express; 30–36 hours.
From Bengaluru/Chennai/Hyderabad: Multiple direct trains (tripcrafters.com).

During peak seasons, special trains are often added (weekendyaari.in).

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Ramps, escalators, elevators, and tactile surfaces ensure accessibility for all.
Reserved seating and dedicated counters for differently-abled passengers and senior citizens.
Enhanced safety with CCTV, security personnel, and clear signage.

Nearby Attractions

Puri Railway Station is ideally located for easy access to the city’s top sites:

Jagannath Temple: 2–3 km; open 6:00 AM–1:00 PM & 4:00 PM–9:00 PM (only Hindus allowed inside; others may view from outside) (official Jagannath Temple website).
Puri Beach: 3 km; ideal for relaxation and sunrise photography (bhubaneswartourism.in).
Gundicha Temple: Significant during Rath Yatra.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; showcases local handicrafts (wanderlog.com).
Raghurajpur Artist Village: 14 km; famed for Pattachitra paintings (localtourism.in).
Konark Sun Temple: UNESCO site, 36 km away (traveltriangle.com).
Pipili Applique Village: 37 km; vibrant handicrafts (thrillophilia.com).
Chilika Lake: 50 km; birdwatching and boat tours (localtourism.in).

Local Culture and Practical Tips

Dress modestly near religious sites. Traditional attire is common; shorts and revealing clothing are discouraged (temples-tour.blogspot.com).
Photography is prohibited inside Jagannath Temple.
Mahaprasad, the temple’s sacred vegetarian meal, is a must-try.
Auto/cycle rickshaws are best for short rides; negotiate fares beforehand.
Best time to visit: October–March for pleasant weather (localtourism.in).
Safety: Puri is generally safe, but stay vigilant in crowded areas.

Sustainable and Inclusive Initiatives

The new station incorporates energy-efficient systems, organic waste management, rainwater harvesting, and inclusive design, supporting both environmental and social sustainability (Metro Rail News).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the station’s operating hours?
A: Open 24/7. Ticket counters typically 5:00 AM–11:00 PM.

Q: How can I book tickets?
A: Online via IRCTC or at station counters.

Q: Is the station accessible for differently-abled travelers?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, tactile paths, and accessible restrooms.

Q: How far is the Jagannath Temple from the station?
A: About 2–3 km; easily reached by auto/cycle rickshaw or taxi.

Q: Are there accommodations at or near the station?
A: Yes, retiring rooms and dormitories are available; book early during festivals.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Summary

Puri Railway Station is central to the city’s spiritual, cultural, and economic fabric. Its ongoing redevelopment is set to deliver world-class facilities that blend traditional Odishan architecture with modern comforts, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and passenger convenience. As the main entry point for millions, especially during the Rath Yatra, the station is both a logistical marvel and a cultural ambassador for Odisha.

Travelers should plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and memorable visit. Embrace local customs, support sustainable practices, and use digital resources—like the Audiala app—for the latest travel updates.