With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026, the Odisha Police have put in place an extensive security and crowd management plan to ensure the festival is conducted safely and smoothly.

Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania said the state police are fully prepared for the annual chariot festival. More than 12,000 police personnel, including 19 senior IPS officers, will be deployed across Puri to oversee security, crowd control, traffic management and emergency response.

Special emphasis has been placed on securing the Shree Jagannath Temple, the three chariots, the Grand Road (Bada Danda), the chariot-pulling route, Puri beach and the railway station. Security agencies including the CRPF, BSF, RPF, NSG and bomb disposal squads will also be deployed as part of the multi-layered security arrangement.

Technology will play a major role in this year’s security plan. CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations across Puri, while an Integrated Command and Control Centre has been established through the JBPC to monitor the festival in real time. A separate Special Control Room has also been set up near the Shree Gundicha Temple to coordinate emergency response and ensure seamless communication among various agencies.

The Rath Yatra arrangements are being supervised by Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation) Somendra Priyadarshi, with a special focus on crowd management, traffic regulation and the safety of devotees during the chariot procession. Around 225 Executive Magistrates will be deployed at key locations across Puri to maintain law and order and assist with crowd regulation.

The police have also appealed to devotees visiting Puri to follow traffic advisories issued through official social media platforms and WhatsApp channels. Authorities said special traffic management plans have been prepared to deal with heavy rainfall, if any, during the festival.

Keeping the monsoon in mind, the administration has identified 30 waterlogging-prone locations across Puri. High-capacity pumps and dedicated response teams have been deployed to ensure quick drainage of rainwater and prevent disruption to devotees.

To strengthen public services during the festival, the Health Department will establish eight temporary hospitals near the Grand Road, while around 1,700 temporary toilets have been set up to maintain sanitation and improve facilities for pilgrims.

With comprehensive security, technology-driven surveillance and coordinated emergency preparedness, the Odisha government aims to ensure a safe, orderly and incident-free Rath Yatra 2026 for devotees arriving from across India and abroad.

The Odisha government has rolled out an extensive preparedness strategy for this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri, introducing a first-of-its-kind Dual Management Plan aimed at ensuring a safe, smooth, and incident-free festival. The plan has been designed to address both extreme heat conditions and monsoon-related challenges during the annual grand congregation of devotees.

Zero Casualty, Zero Drowning Target

With the objective of achieving “Zero Casualty” and “Zero Drowning” during the festival, the state administration has prepared a comprehensive safety blueprint. The strategy received approval during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Director General of Fire Services and Emergency Response.

Authorities have emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy city.

Special Measures to Combat Heatwave Conditions

To provide relief to devotees from intense heat and humidity during the Rath Yatra, the administration will deploy 18 to 20 dedicated water-sprinkling vehicles along the Grand Road (Bada Danda). These vehicles will regularly spray water to reduce surface temperatures and improve comfort levels for pilgrims.

In addition, high-capacity modern blowers will be installed at strategic locations to enhance air circulation and help people cope with the humid weather.

Advanced Flood Management System in Place

Considering the possibility of heavy monsoon showers during the festival, authorities have also strengthened flood-management arrangements.

If waterlogging occurs on the Grand Road, advanced pumps capable of discharging 4,200 litres of water per minute will be deployed. Officials believe this rapid-response mechanism will help prevent disruption to rituals and public movement during adverse weather conditions.

Enhanced Vigilance Along Puri Beach

Apart from crowd management on the Grand Road, special attention is being given to safety at Puri Beach.

To prevent drowning incidents, 25 lifeguards from the Fire Services Department have received international-standard training. The Tourism Department, in collaboration with emergency response teams, will establish five first-aid centres along the beach and deploy specialized life-saving ambulances for quick medical assistance.

Extensive Healthcare Arrangements for Devotees

The Health Department has also made elaborate preparations ahead of the festival season.

A stock of 300 units of blood will be kept ready before Snana Yatra, with storage facilities ensuring availability for up to 45 days. Additionally, 150 beds have been arranged in the new building of the district headquarters hospital, while 80 additional beds have been reserved at the Infectious Disease Hospital.

Along the Grand Road, 30 first-aid centres and eight temporary hospitals will be operational throughout the festival. Qualified MBBS doctors and medical teams will remain on duty to provide immediate treatment and emergency care to devotees.

Administration Focused on Devotee Safety

With millions of pilgrims expected to participate in the world-famous Rath Yatra, the Odisha government has adopted a multi-layered preparedness approach that combines disaster management, healthcare readiness, crowd control, and beach safety measures. Officials remain confident that the comprehensive arrangements will help ensure a safe, secure, and memorable Rath Yatra for all devotees.