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Key Points

Ahmedabad is pulling out all the stops for Lord Jagannath's 148th Rath Yatra with unprecedented security measures. Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi personally inspected the 16-km route alongside top police officials. The event will feature India's first AI-powered crowd monitoring system alongside drones and 3,500 CCTV cameras. Over 23,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of devotees along the procession route.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Deploys 23,000 Cops for Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra

  • AI and drones deployed for crowd control in historic first
  • 3D mapping and 484 buildings secured for safety
  • 17 help centers to assist lost devotees
  • 213 Rath Yatras planned across Gujarat
2 min read

Ahmedabad gears up for Lord Jagannath's rath yatra; over 23,000 cops deployed

Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi oversees AI-powered security for Ahmedabad's 148th Rath Yatra with 23,844 police personnel and 3,500 CCTV cameras.

"This yatra is not only a spiritual event but a symbol of social harmony – Harsh Sanghavi"

Ahmedabad, June 25

Ahmedabad is all set to host the 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, with elaborate arrangements and multi-layered security in place. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi attended the traditional Netrotsav ceremony on the eve of the procession, where he performed the aarti and hoisted the ceremonial flag.

Sanghavi also carried out a thorough inspection of the 16-km yatra route alongside Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, reviewing the preparedness on the ground. Speaking to the media, Sanghavi described the Rath Yatra as not just a major religious event but one that reflects “discipline and unity at a mass level."

He highlighted that for the first time in India, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used for crowd monitoring to prevent stampedes or disruptions. Drones and surveillance systems will help manage the massive turnout, ensuring smooth movement and darshan for all devotees.

Security for the yatra includes 3,500 CCTV cameras, 2,872 body-worn cameras, 240 terrace surveillance points, 25 watchtowers, and a deployment of 23,844 police personnel. The entire route has been 3D mapped for strategic planning.

A total of 213 Rath Yatras are scheduled across Gujarat this year, and coordinated efforts between law enforcement and religious bodies have ensured tight security statewide. In Ahmedabad, police have proactively sealed 484 dilapidated buildings identified along the route to prevent any structural hazards. These buildings have been secured with tarpaulins and barricades in partnership with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

To support public safety, 17 Jan Sahay Kendras (public help centers) will be set up along the route. Sanghavi noted that over 65 children were reunited with their families last year through these centers, and similar arrangements are in place this year.

The Minister also praised the dedication of the police force, highlighting community engagement initiatives such as cricket matches and women-led peace meetings. “This yatra is not only a spiritual event but a symbol of social harmony, and our police teams have worked day and night to preserve that spirit,” he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Heartwarming to see such meticulous arrangements for the Rath Yatra! 🙏 Using AI for crowd control is a brilliant move - shows how tradition and technology can coexist. Gujarat police always sets an example in managing large events. Jai Jagannath!
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the security measures, 23,000 police personnel seems excessive. Couldn't some of these resources be used for regular policing? The yatra is important, but so is daily public safety. Just my two paise.
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Amit S.
The Jan Sahay Kendras are such a thoughtful initiative! Reuniting 65 lost children last year shows how festivals can bring out the best in our society. More cities should adopt this model during major events. #GujaratModel
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Sunita P.
As someone who attended last year's yatra, I can vouch for the amazing arrangements. The police were helpful, the route was clean, and the atmosphere was electric! Can't wait to experience it again this year with my family. ❤️
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see 3D mapping being used - shows how seriously Gujarat takes both devotion and security. Hope other states learn from this when managing their religious processions. The terrace surveillance points are particularly smart thinking!
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Neha T.
While the security is impressive, I hope the focus remains on the spiritual essence of the yatra. Sometimes too much policing can make devotees feel like they're in a military zone rather than a sacred procession. Balance is key.

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