Bhubaneswar: A high-level review meeting was held at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack on Thursday under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania to assess preparations for the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra 2026, scheduled to be held on July 16.
The Odisha Police has begun extensive planning to ensure smooth, secure, and well-coordinated arrangements for the annual mega festival, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
During the meeting, the DGP directed senior officers to strengthen security deployment, crowd control mechanisms, and coordination at all levels. He emphasised strict monitoring of arrangements to avoid any operational gaps during the festival period.
A detailed schedule of key rituals associated with the Shri Jagannath Temple was also reviewed. The important events include Debasnana Purnima on June 29, Nabajoubana Darshan on July 14, Rath Yatra on July 16, Hera Panchami on July 20, Sandhya Darshan on July 23, Bahuda Yatra on July 24, Suna Besha on July 25, Adharapana on July 26, and Niladri Bije on July 27.
Given the expected large turnout, authorities have planned several new crowd management and safety measures. Eight additional parking zones have been identified to ease traffic congestion, while special clearance teams will be deployed ahead of the chariots to ensure smooth movement during the Rath Yatra.
Crack teams will be positioned at overcrowded locations, and additional CCTV cameras will be installed at key points across Puri for enhanced surveillance. Traffic regulation will be supported through road dividers, delineators, and designated traffic zones.
Security checks will be intensified across hotels and lodges, and special drives will be conducted in all police station jurisdictions to monitor criminal activity. Authorities have also planned to identify habitual offenders and display their details on LED screens at railway stations and bus stands.
Coastal security will be strengthened with intensified patrolling and temporary police outposts. Railway Police will coordinate with RPF to ensure security at Puri, Bhubaneswar, Khurda, and Jatni railway stations.
Additional deployment includes K-9 squads, NSG-trained Special Operations Group, Special Tactical Units, and vehicle-mounted security units near the temple. Special arrangements have also been planned to prevent stampede-like situations and ensure orderly darshan for devotees.
Emergency response coordination, disaster management planning, and inter-departmental synergy were also reviewed during the meeting.
Senior officers, including Crime Branch Director Binaytosh Mishra, Intelligence Director R.P. Koche, and several Additional DGPs, IGs, and DIGs attended the meeting in person and virtually.
