Odisha Police gear up for Rath Yatra; DGP reviews preparations

IANS May 13, 2025 311 views

Odisha's police are preparing extensively for the upcoming Rath Yatra with cutting-edge technology and multi-agency coordination. The Director General of Police has outlined comprehensive security measures including drone surveillance and AI-powered crowd management. Special teams like the STU will be deployed to ensure safety during this massive religious festival. The preparations demonstrate a sophisticated approach to managing large-scale public events with modern technological interventions.

"We are ready to meet every possible challenge during this mega religious event" - Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Odisha DGP
Odisha Police gear up for Rath Yatra; DGP reviews preparations
Bhubaneswar, May 12: As part of the preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra, Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Monday held a high-level review meeting in the coastal town of Puri, focusing on security, crowd management, and traffic control.

Key Points

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- First-time drone surveillance for Rath Yatra crowd monitoring

During the meeting, Khurania assigned specific tasks and offered guidance to senior police officials to ensure seamless coordination during the grand festival which going to commence from June 27 this year.

Speaking to mediapersons in Puri, DGP Khurania said that for the first time, drones from the Odisha Police's Coastal Wing will be deployed for aerial surveillance during the festival.

He further added that the Marine Police and Coast Guard boats will patrol the sea to strengthen coastal security. The entire coastal town area will be brought under CCTV surveillance, and drones with Artificial Intelligence support will assist in monitoring crowd movement and traffic regulation.

The Odisha Police will use Artificial Intelligence-based systems to enhance situational awareness and crowd control during the grand Rath Yatra. The DGP noted that central agencies like the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy will work in coordination with Odisha Police to ensure multi-agency synergy.

He stated that special emphasis was laid on close collaboration among all forces involved. CCTV cameras will be installed at various railway stations and resting zones for devotees, while police will expand camera coverage in high-density crowd areas. The DGP also reviewed station-level management plans and discussed potential enhancements in other key areas.

DGP Khurania emphasized that the police are ready to meet every possible challenge during this mega religious event. He assured that Odisha Police will ensure elaborate and tight security arrangements in Puri during the festival.

The DG of Odisha Police also informed the media persons that keeping in view the sensitivities of the 12th century Jagannath Temple, an armoured vehicle 'Rakshak' along with a team of Special Tactical Unit (STU), have been provided to Puri.

The STU team is a dedicated urban warfare counter-terrorist force consisting of Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel who are trained alongside the National Security Guard (NSG).

Reader Comments

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Pritesh K.
Great to see such advanced security measures! Using drones and AI for crowd control during Rath Yatra shows how technology can help maintain our traditions safely. Jai Jagannath! 🙏 The STU team deployment is especially reassuring given recent security concerns nationwide.
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Ananya R.
While the security arrangements are impressive, I hope they don't make the temple feel like a fortress. The spiritual atmosphere should remain peaceful and accessible to common devotees. Maybe they could balance tech with more human interactions?
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Rajiv M.
As someone who attends every year, this is much needed! Last year's crowd was chaotic near the railway station. The CCTV and coordination with RPF will help tremendously. Just hope the AI systems work properly - our techie friends tell me these systems sometimes glitch with Indian crowds 😅
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Smita P.
The marine security aspect is crucial given Puri's coastal location. Remember the 26/11 attacks came via sea route. Good to see Odisha Police being proactive rather than reactive. This should set an example for other major religious events across India.
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Deepak S.
All this security is fine, but what about basic facilities? Every year devotees struggle with drinking water, toilets and medical aid. Hope they're allocating equal budget for amenities along with surveillance tech. Rath Yatra is about bhakti, not just security.
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Meena L.
The NSG-trained STU team is a game changer! After the security lapses we've seen at other religious sites, this professional approach gives me confidence to take my elderly parents this year. Maybe they could livestream some rituals too for those who can't attend physically?

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Tags:
Rath Yatra Odisha Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania Puri Jagannath Temple Festival Security Drone Surveillance
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