Rath Yatra 2026: Odisha Govt Reviews Preparations, Plans Tighter Crowd Control Measures

Bhubaneswar: With the annual Rath Yatra approaching, the Odisha government has intensified preparations, focusing on crowd management, infrastructure readiness, and public safety for the mega event in Puri.

A high-level review chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan evaluated progress on earlier decisions and directed all departments to expedite pending works to ensure seamless conduct of the festival.

Managing the massive crowd on Bada Danda during the chariot pulling emerged as a key priority. Officials highlighted that excessive entry of pass holders into restricted zones often leads to congestion, prompting a proposal to significantly cut down the number of cordon passes this year.

Chariot construction, which began on Akshaya Tritiya, is progressing under technical supervision. Out of 865 required timber pieces, 576 have already been arranged, while steps are being taken to ensure the strength and quality of ropes used in the procession.

Infrastructure upgrades linked to the festival are in advanced stages. Projects such as the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, redevelopment of Acharya Harihar Chhak, and new parking facilities at Digabarani and Yatrika Parking-1 are nearing completion. Restoration work at Shree Gundicha Temple is also on track.

To enhance basic amenities, authorities plan to install 50 high-mast lights along the Grand Road, along with six bio-toilet blocks near the beach and nearly 1,600 temporary toilets across key public locations.

Preparedness for contingencies was also reviewed, with 23 points identified for emergency water drainage during heavy rains. Encroachment clearance along Bada Danda is underway and expected to be completed by May-end, while 21 designated parking zones have been finalised.

Healthcare arrangements include setting up eight temporary hospitals with 10 beds each at strategic locations to ease pressure on existing facilities. Improved traffic flow is anticipated with the nearing completion of the Puri-Konark Road overbridge.

Discussions also covered surveillance, sanitation, road maintenance, and security deployment. Railways will open eight additional ticket counters to manage the surge in pilgrims.

Officials further decided to regulate free food distribution along the Grand Road by shifting such activities to designated zones, aiming to maintain cleanliness and ensure uninterrupted movement of the chariots.