Bhubaneswar: Preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra 2026 gathered pace as the state government on Friday conducted a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan.
The fourth review meeting assessed the implementation of decisions taken earlier and evaluated readiness for the world-famous chariot festival scheduled in July in Puri. The Chief Secretary directed all departments and agencies to complete preparations well in advance to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
A major focus of the meeting was crowd management during chariot pulling on Bada Danda (Grand Road). Officials noted that congestion inside the cordon due to pass holders often disrupts the smooth movement of chariots. It was proposed to significantly reduce the number of cordon passes this year.
Officials informed that construction of the chariots began on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 20 and is being monitored by a technical committee. Of the 865 pieces of wood required, 576 have already been collected, with the remaining being arranged. Instructions were issued to ensure the strength and quality of the chariot ropes.
Key infrastructure projects linked to the festival are nearing completion, including the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, redevelopment of Acharya Harihar Chhak, multi-level parking at Digabarani, and Yatrika Parking-1. Restoration work at Shree Gundicha Temple is also progressing and is expected to be completed before the festival.
To enhance civic amenities, 50 high-mast lights will be installed along Bada Danda (Grand Road). Six bio-toilet blocks with 18 units will be set up at Puri beach, while around 1,600 temporary toilets are being arranged across police camps, parking zones, and public areas.
Authorities have identified 23 locations for emergency water drainage using high-capacity pumps in case of heavy rainfall. Encroachment removal along Bada Danda is underway and expected to be completed by the end of May. The Puri Municipality has identified 21 parking sites.
The Health and Family Welfare Department will set up eight temporary hospitals with 10 beds each at key locations to reduce pressure on district hospitals during the festival.
Traffic management is expected to improve with the near completion of the Puri-Konark Road overbridge at Matiapada, which is likely to be operational before the Rath Yatra.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for crowd control, CCTV surveillance, road repairs, sanitation, control room operations, and deployment of security personnel. To facilitate passenger movement, the Railways will open eight additional ticket counters during the festival period.
Officials also highlighted issues caused by free food distribution along Bada Danda, which affects chariot movement and cleanliness. This year, designated locations near the Grand Road will be identified for such activities to ensure better management.
