Puri: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Tuesday announced that all security arrangements for the upcoming Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri have been finalized.
He said the police have divided the security and law and order responsibilities into eight specific sectors to ensure smooth conduct of the annual festival.
These include traffic management, inner temple arrangements, inner and outer cordon security, crowd control, coastal security, and other strategic deployments. Special emphasis has been placed on technology and integrated coordination for this year’s event.
“For the first time, an Integrated Command and Control Room has been established. Around 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed along the route from Uttara Chhak to Puri town and from Puri to Konark. The live visuals from these cameras will be monitored round the clock,” said DGP Khurania. Sub-control rooms have also been set up at key locations to enhance real-time monitoring.
He further stated that these AI-powered surveillance systems will assist officers in tracking traffic movement, identifying crowd surges, and enabling prompt decision-making during emergencies.
To strengthen the security apparatus, the police have also deployed anti-drone systems, anti-sabotage teams, and dog squads. Approximately 200 platoons of Odisha Police will be stationed across Puri, with additional support from eight companies of central paramilitary forces including the BSF, CRPF, RAF, Marine Police, Coast Guard, and Indian Navy, especially for coastal vigilance.
“A traffic advisory has been issued today afternoon to guide devotees. We urge everyone coming to Puri for the Rath Yatra to follow the instructions carefully,” the DGP added.
In a tech-forward initiative, a real-time chatbot application has been launched to assist pilgrims and visitors with information on parking availability, route maps, and directions to vacant parking spaces.
DGP Khurania assured that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure a peaceful and secure Rath Yatra. Around 10,000 personnel, including state police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Home Guards, will be on duty during the festival.
Significantly, for the first time, NSG (National Security Guard) snipers will be deployed following a detailed threat assessment. Alongside anti-drone technology, police-operated drones will also be in use for aerial surveillance.
“The safety of every devotee is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that this year’s Rath Yatra is conducted peacefully, securely, and efficiently,” the DGP concluded.
