Sai disciples plan Puttaparthi trip,face transport problem

Sateesh Seelam,president of Andhra Foundation,Pimpri-Chinchwad,said,“The journey is long. It will take around 15 hours by car. Unfortunately,I will not be able to go.”

However,transportation seems to be an issue and the devotees are perplexed about how to travel. Naresh Hirani,a devotee said,“Everyone will want go to pay their last respects to Swamiji,not only from Pune but from across the country. How we will travel is a problem.” Rakesh Navani,another follower of Sathya Sai Baba,said,“I have heard reports of massive traffic moving towards Puttaparthi,and the last information I received was that the roads towards the town have been blocked. Perhaps the load on the roads will ease up by tomorrow evening.”

Railways is also experiencing passenger rush to Puttaparthi. “As of now we have no such plans for additional coaches or special trains for the devotees Sathya Sai Baba. Recently we introduced a large number of summer special trains on various routes,so the existing facilities have been used up,” said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager,Pune Division,CR,Alok Badgul said.

Senior PRO,CR,Mumbai,A K Jain ruled out any such possibilities for now from the headquarters in Mumbai. “So far we have not received any such demands,and thus we don’t have any plans now,” he said. Meanwhile,while Puttaparthi does boast of an airport,it is used seasonally and with special flights only.

The SSSSO,realising this problem,is attempting to make some transportation arrangements. Navani said,“All the members of our group are coming together to solve this dilemma.” “We are organising a special prayer meeting today,where a decision will be taken. As of now,nothing is confirmed,” said Hirani.