Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has started early preparations for the smooth conduct of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra 2027, with focus on infrastructure development, crowd control and devotees’ convenience.
A preparatory meeting — the first at administrative level for the 2027 Yatra — was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan on Thursday. The meeting discussed advance decisions required for the festival and long-term measures for development of Puri city, including works to be completed by various departments before the Yatra.
Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, secretaries of concerned departments, Puri Collector, Puri SP and senior officers attended.
Rath Yatra Schedule: Dr. Padhee informed that Ratha Katha Anukula Puja will be held on Basant Panchami on February 11, 2027. Srigundicha Yatra will be on July 5, Bahuda Yatra on July 13, Suna Besha on July 14 and Niladri Bije on July 16.For construction of chariots, a total of 865 pieces of wood are required. While 100 pieces are available from last Rath Yatra, 765 pieces plus additional palm wood for Charamala will be arranged. Nayagarh DFO will coordinate with other divisions for supply.
Infrastructure & Traffic: The meeting decided for urgent repair and widening of roads connecting Puri, including the road from Bira Harekrushnapur to Balighat. Matiapada road will be widened for two-way traffic. Roads and lanes adjoining Bada Danda will be improved.
To avoid last-minute issues, Puri Collector has been directed to remove encroachments and roadside vendors from major roads adjoining Bada Danda well in advance. Proposals for multi-storey parking, dedicated bus parking and LMV parking zones, passenger amenities and financial arrangements were discussed. Public Works Department has been asked to take proactive steps for road repair and expansion.
Railway authorities informed that construction of new Puri Railway Station building will be completed much before the 2027 Rath Yatra and is planned to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Health & Safety: The Health Department will upgrade existing infrastructure. A permanent hospital will be set up at Malatipatpur bus stand to handle heavy tourist inflow. The District Headquarters Hospital will be shifted to a new building with improved facilities. A dedicated unobstructed corridor for patient movement and emergency care will be maintained. Volunteers, stretcher bearers and voluntary organisations will be identified and trained in advance.
Appreciating the success of temporary hospitals on both sides of Bada Danda last year, the meeting decided to further strengthen health facilities. The Fire Department will deploy high-capacity pumps to tackle waterlogging, while lifeguards, rescue equipment, observation towers and emergency access roads will be strengthened on the beach. Cleanliness of Puri city will also be maintained on priority.
