Thirty-five new battery-operated mini buses, purchased by the state government last January, have remained unused for seven months at the Puri Srimandira New Bus Stand. These buses, which feature attractive traditional Jhoti designs and the name of the Sreejagannath Temple Administration, have yet to be put into service due to a change in the state government.
Originally procured to transport devotees free of charge from Maltipatpur Bus Terminal, Puri Railway Station, and Paur Bus Stand to the Sreejagannath Temple, these buses were intended to provide a similar service to what is offered in Tirupati. A dedicated terminal was constructed at the bus stand for daily recharging and operation under the Sreejagannath Temple’s authority.
Despite the significant investment, no drivers or assistants have been hired for the buses. As a result, the vehicles have been exposed to the elements and are deteriorating. The public has expressed concern over the apparent waste of resources. Plans to extend bus services to nearby areas like Konark and Satpada were also proposed but have yet to be realized.