With just 12 days left for the world-famous Rath Yatra, Odisha Police has swung into high gear to ensure the grand festival unfolds smoothly, safely and without any untoward incident.
In a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania at the District Police Office in Puri, top police brass finalised an extensive security blueprint for the July 16 chariot festival that draws lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
Addressing the meeting, the DGP stressed that the topmost priority remains the safety and comfort of every devotee. “We are fully prepared to handle any situation, including the possibility of heavy rainfall during the yatra. Our entire focus is to ensure that devotees reach Puri comfortably, have peaceful darshan of Lord Jagannath, and return home safely,” he said.
Massive Deployment of Forces
To manage the expected massive turnout, Odisha Police has mobilised:
- Nearly 12,000 police personnel including traffic constables
- 10 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF and BSF)
- 250 platoons from OSAP, IRBN, APR and Traffic Force
- 3,000 Home Guards for crowd management, traffic regulation and parking assistance
These forces will be strategically deployed across the city, especially along the Rath Yatra route, at the Gundicha Temple, and in key congregation points.
Special arrangements have also been made for the stay and logistics of outstation police forces. The DGP directed officials to ensure seamless coordination between all agencies so that devotees face zero inconvenience.
Public Appeal: Follow Official Advisories
The DGP urged devotees to regularly check the official Odisha Police portal and traffic advisories before travelling to Puri. Following these guidelines, he said, will help avoid traffic congestion and ensure a hassle-free journey.
Senior police officers present at the meeting included the Intelligence Director, Additional DGPs (Modernisation, Law & Order, SAP, Railway & Coastal Security), Transport Commissioner, IGPs, DIGs and SP Puri. Several senior officers also joined virtually from different zones and shared valuable inputs.
With comprehensive planning, robust deployment and a clear focus on devotee safety, Odisha Police is leaving no stone unturned to make the 2026 Rath Yatra one of the most secure and memorable editions in recent years.
