Hues of ivory along Grand Road

PURI: The State Government has decided to beautify Puri by painting all the concrete structures on both sides of the Grand Road with ivory colour. District officials said the work would be completed much before the  July 3 Rath Yatra.Speaking at the third preparatory meet of the Rath Yatra on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Prafulla Samal said ` 1 crore had been sanctioned for the purpose.Ministers of all the departments were present at Puri. A series of decisions were taken for smooth conduct of the CarFestival.Energy Minister Atanu Sabyasachi assured the house that uninterrupted power supply will be ensured during the fete. Similarly, 21 doctors and eight specialists will be posted in the district headquarters hospital to cater to the pilgrims.The railway officials said that 37 special trains would run from various stations across the country to Puri. For the purpose 34 booking counters will be opened. On the occasion, Panchayati Raj Minister Maheswar Mohanty said city bus service between Puri and Bhubaneswar would be introduced this month. The district administration felicitated 51 persons who donated Phasi timber for construction of the chariots.  SP Amitendranath Sinha said special police and other arrangements would be made for the fete to ensure safety of the pilgrims. The administration felicitated 51 persons who donated rare Phasi timber for the construction of the rathas in the meeting.