Odisha Plans Rath Yatra on Maha Kumbh Scale This Year

Odisha Plans Rath Yatra on Maha Kumbh Scale This Year

The Odisha government is gearing up to host this year’s Rath Yatra on an unprecedented scale, aiming to match the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh. With massive crowds expected, the administration is planning extensive security measures to ensure a smooth and safe celebration of Lord Jagannath’s annual chariot festival, scheduled for June 27.

Inspired by Uttar Pradesh’s successful hosting of the Maha Kumbh, Odisha plans to invite several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states along with Union Ministers to boost national attention and footfall. There is also a possibility that President Droupadi Murmu may attend the festival, prompting further upgrades in security protocols.

Given recent geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the state has asked Odisha Police to amplify security arrangements. Central defence agencies may be requested to keep anti-drone systems on standby. Additionally, police will deploy high-end surveillance including four drones to monitor the Puri coastline and over 300 AI-enabled CCTV cameras for crowd control and threat detection.

Photographs and information of suspected anti-national elements will be integrated into Puri’s central control room server to enable real-time identification.

Police and CAPF deployment will also be scaled up significantly. Traditionally, 200 platoons of police and five companies of Central Armed Police Forces are deployed. This year, that number is expected to increase.

At a high-level meeting chaired by DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, top officers including RP Koche (Intelligence), SK Priyadarsi (Modernisation), Arun Bothra (Coastal Security), and Sanjay Kumar (Law & Order) reviewed the preparations.

Highlighting the state’s readiness, Khurania announced that a bulletproof ‘Rakshak’ armoured vehicle, equipped with advanced communication tools and capable of carrying commandos and mounting light machine guns, will be stationed in Puri. Operated by the Special Operations Group (SOG), the vehicle will remain on alert year-round.

“We are fully alert and committed to ensuring the safety of devotees. Every contingency will be addressed,” assured Khurania.