Odisha Police Unveils Security Blueprint for Puri Rath Yatra 2026

Bhubaneswar/Puri: Odisha Police has rolled out a comprehensive security and traffic blueprint for the upcoming Puri Rath Yatra 2026, ensuring a seamless and devotee‑friendly experience.

Chairing a high‑level review meeting, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania directed officers to treat security arrangements with the same reverence as the rituals.

The festival schedule begins with Debasnana Purnima on June 29 and culminates with Niladri Bije on July 27.

Key days include the Grand Rath Yatra on July 16, Bahuda Yatra on July 24, and Suna Besha on July 25.

To manage the massive influx of devotees, eight new parking zones will be introduced, alongside special clearance parties for smooth chariot movement.

Crack teams will handle crowd control in high‑density areas, while additional CCTV cameras, road dividers, and delineators will strengthen traffic management.

Crime‑control drives, hotel inspections, and intensified beach patrolling are planned. Security at major railway stations will be reinforced with RPF coordination.

Advanced units, including Rakshak vehicles, K‑9 squads, NSG‑trained SOG teams, and STU units, will be deployed.

Senior officers from the Crime Branch, Intelligence, Rail & Coastal Security, and Puri SP Prateek Singh emphasised real‑time coordination to ensure an incident‑free festival.

Odisha Police aims to deliver a historic Rath Yatra that reflects both devotion and discipline.