BHUBANESWAR: In preparation for the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra 2026, Odisha Police has rolled out an extensive and highly fortified security and emergency management plan aimed at ensuring a safe, smooth and incident-free pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees expected to attend the annual chariot festival.
Under the direct supervision of Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, a 1990 batch IPS officer of Odisha cadre, the state police administration has prepared a multi-layered operational blueprint focused on crowd control, anti-terror surveillance, emergency medical response, traffic regulation and evacuation preparedness.
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to be held on July 16, 2026, in Puri.
Special Security Measures to Prevent Stampede-Like Situations
Chairing a high-level security review meeting, DGP Khurania directed senior officers to implement special arrangements to prevent stampede-like situations and ensure rapid emergency response through coordination with various departments.
The focus on crowd management has intensified following last year’s tragic stampede near Gundicha Temple, which resulted in the death of three devotees and injuries to several others.
Police officials said elite tactical commandos and specialised crack teams will be deployed across sensitive and densely crowded areas to maintain public order and swiftly respond to any untoward incident.
A dedicated “special clearance party” will also move ahead of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to facilitate smooth movement along the Grand Road (Badadanda).
Eight Temporary Hospitals and 35 First-Aid Centres Planned
Considering the severe heat, humidity and overcrowding witnessed during the festival every year, Puri Police has prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling medical emergencies.
As part of the plan:
- Eight temporary hospitals will be established across Puri town
- Around 35 first-aid centres will be set up at strategic locations
- Emergency evacuation points will be created for rapid rescue operations during crises
- Medical teams and ambulances will remain on standby throughout the festival
Officials said the measures are aimed at ensuring timely medical support to devotees who may suffer from dehydration, suffocation, heatstroke or other health emergencies during the yatra.
65 LED Screens, Additional CCTV Cameras for Real-Time Monitoring
To improve crowd management and public communication, Odisha Police will install at least 65 LED screens across the city.
These screens will provide real-time information regarding crowd density near the Jagannath Temple, Grand Road and surrounding areas, helping devotees avoid excessive congestion.
The DGP also ordered installation of additional CCTV cameras throughout the pilgrimage zone to strengthen surveillance and monitor suspicious activities.
Police to Track Criminal Elements from Other States
In view of the possibility of criminal elements entering Puri during the mega religious gathering, Odisha Police has launched a preventive strategy targeting habitual offenders and anti-social elements.
DGP Khurania instructed officers to:
- Conduct special drives against habitual criminals
- Prepare lists and photographs of suspected offenders
- Display photographs of wanted anti-socials at railway stations and bus stands through LED screens
- Intensify vigilance in crowded public zones
Railway Police have also been directed to tighten security at key stations including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Khurda and Jatni.
Traffic Management and Parking Facilities Strengthened
Police officials said traffic management will remain a key priority during the festival to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and emergency vehicles.
At least eight additional parking locations will be created around the city for visitors, while special traffic diversions and vehicle movement plans are expected to be implemented closer to the festival dates.
Additional Director General (ADG) Saumyendra Priyadarsi has been appointed as the overall in-charge of security arrangements for Rath Yatra 2026.
Rath Yatra Among India’s Largest Religious Gatherings
The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is one of India’s largest and most significant religious festivals, attracting lakhs of devotees, saints, tourists and international visitors every year.
The Odisha government and police administration are expecting exceptionally high footfall during this year’s festival, prompting large-scale deployment of police personnel, surveillance systems and emergency response infrastructure.
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