In a concerted effort to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the iconic Puri Rath Yatra 2026, the second review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall.
The meeting focused on the implementation of decisions from the first coordination committee session on January 13, with a strong emphasis on public safety, security, and meticulous preparations.
Key officials in attendance included Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue Department and Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, DGP Y.B. Khurania, DG of Fire Services Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, Principal Secretary of Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Law Department Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, along with senior representatives from various departments and organizations.
Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh presented the Rath Yatra Master Plan 2026, highlighting the need for state-level administrative support. The plan draws from past experiences to address potential challenges.
This year’s festivities are scheduled as follows: the Gundicha Rath Yatra on July 16, Bahuda Yatra on July 24, Suna Besha on July 25, and Niladri Bije on July 27. Preceding rituals include Akshaya Tritiya and Snana Yatra. Preparations are well underway, with adequate rath wood procurement completed and ongoing chariot construction. Notably, separate charamala arrangements have been planned for Gundicha and Bahuda to enhance efficiency.
Discussions covered a wide range of aspects, including ensuring the timely completion of Lord Jagannath’s rituals to start the rath pulling on schedule, crowd management on Puri’s Grand Road (Bada Danda), parking facilities in Puri and surrounding areas, healthcare services, emergency response, and sanitation. To bolster crowd and traffic control, DGP Khurania recommended installing sufficient CCTV cameras from Uttara Chhak to Bada Danda well in advance, with arrangements being made through OCAK support.
Public safety and security were prioritised, with plans for 70 LED TVs along Bada Danda by the Information and Public Relations Department to broadcast live updates on pahandi, rituals, and yatra commentary. Indian Railways will enhance ticket counters at Puri station and ensure online ticket availability for better crowd management. Temporary parking lots will be developed at multiple locations, and 50 high-mast lights will illuminate Bada Danda. In case of heavy rains, urban development and fire services will coordinate drainage solutions. The Works Department assured completion of road repairs and maintenance ahead of time, while beautification work at Gundicha Temple continues.
Additionally, an integrated command control centre will be established to maintain law and order and manage crowds effectively.
The meeting underscored a collaborative approach among departments to make Rath Yatra 2026 a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching experience for devotees worldwide.
