Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Sunday announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled CCTV cameras will be deployed for enhanced surveillance during the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, scheduled for June 27, 2025.
The DGP made the announcement following the fifth preparatory review meeting. He stated that security arrangements have been finalized in coordination with multiple agencies.
“For the first time, an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) will be established at the Town Police Station in Puri. The CCTV surveillance network will cover the stretch from Uttara Chhak to Puri town, including the Puri-Konark route,” said DGP Khurania, while addressing the media.
He added that AI technology will aid in real-time monitoring, crowd management and traffic control.
“Cameras will alert police about overcrowded areas, enabling timely intervention. Traffic updates from Bhubaneswar to Puri will also be monitored through AI-based systems to manage congestion effectively,” he said.
To ensure a smooth experience for devotees, the police will launch a dedicated mobile application. The app will guide users on the best routes, available parking spaces.
The DGP further informed that drone and anti-drone technology will be deployed for aerial surveillance. An AI-powered Integrated Control Room has already been set up in Puri to receive real-time data and alerts.
“We are working closely with central forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), along with Coastal Security and Naval officials. Compared to previous years, more security personnel will be deployed,” he added.
Intelligence coordination has also been strengthened and contingency plans are in place to deal with any emergencies during the festival.
The review meeting was attended by Director (Intelligence) R. P. Koche; Additional Director General of Police (Modernization) Soumendra Kumar Priyadarshi; Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar; Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur; Additional Director General of Police (Communication) Dayal Gangwar; Additional Director General of Police (SAP) Rajesh Kumar; IG (Central Range) S. Praveen Kumar; IG (Operations) Dr. Deepak Kumar; IG (BPSPA) Anup Sahu; DIG (Provisioning) Charan Singh Meena; DIG (SIW) Dr. Kanwar Habib Singh; DIG (STF) Pinak Mishra; DIG (Crime Branch) Battula Gangadhar; DIG (Personnel) Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth; SP (Railways) Vivekanand Sharma; SP (Puri) Vinit Agrawal; and many other senior police officers.
