The Puri Rath Yatra 2025, scheduled for June 27, 2025, is one of India’s largest and oldest religious festivals, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the globe. As the scale of the event increases annually, so do the logistical and security challenges. In response to past threats such as terrorist alerts (2019, 2022), overcrowding hazards, fire risks, and public health scares like heatstroke-related deaths and waterborne diseases, the Odisha government has ramped up its approach. A robust Puri Rath Yatra 2025 security plan featuring AI surveillance, drone patrolling, NSG snipers, anti-terror squads, and a 10,000+ strong force has been unveiled to ensure the safety of devotees, dignitaries, and temple functionaries.
What Is the Puri Rath Yatra?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual chariot festival held in Puri, Odisha, where the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away, on three giant wooden chariots.
This tradition, which dates back over 800 years, is a celebration of divine travel and inclusivity, allowing even those typically restricted from temple entry to witness the deities.
Millions throng the city during the yatra week, turning it into a spiritual and logistical megacity. With such a massive influx, ensuring Jagannath Temple security and Puri security zones becomes a priority.
Five‑Tier Security Architecture
To safeguard every corner of the temple town, Odisha has deployed a five-layered security framework:
- Ground Deployment: Over 10,000 police personnel, including 200+ platoons, NSG snipers, STU (Special Tactical Unit) commandos, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and central paramilitary forces, will be posted throughout Puri. The focus zones include the Grand Road (Bada Danda), temple surroundings, railway station, bus stops, and key junctions.
- Aerial Surveillance: More than 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed across major locations – chariot routes, temple premises, rooftops, and sea-facing roads. These are integrated with drones equipped with facial recognition, real-time tracking, and heat-sensing technology.
- Naval Security: To enhance coastal surveillance during Rath Yatra, the Indian Coast Guard, marine police, and interceptor boats will patrol Odisha’s shoreline, especially in Puri, Konark, and Chandrabhaga. Anti-smuggling and anti-infiltration protocols are also in place.
- Specialized Units: Odisha Police has deployed Anti-Terrorist Squads (ATS) and armored vehicles known as “Rakshak” at key congregation points. NSG snipers will be stationed on high-rise buildings with surveillance over Grand Road and Jagannath Temple.
- Integrated Command Center: A 24×7 Command & Control Room connects AI CCTV feeds, drone footage, traffic data, and crowd analytics in real-time. Emergency response units are stationed close to key alert points.
AI Surveillance at Rath Yatra
The AI surveillance at Rath Yatra is a key technological leap in crowd management and threat detection:
- AI-powered CCTVs analyze crowd density, movement patterns, and detect anomalies like sudden gatherings or aggressive behavior.
- Drones will fly predefined grid paths, capturing HD and night-vision footage. Their inputs are fed into the central AI system for dynamic threat assessment.
- Odisha Police has launched a mobile app that provides live tracking of chariot progress, crowd alerts, health center locations, and route maps for tourists.
- Anti-drone systems have been installed to counter any unauthorized UAVs flying over temple premises or near the chariots. These use radar, RF jamming, and optical sensors.
Odisha Police Security Plan & Dress Code
During the Rath Yatra security meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister and Odisha DGP, detailed protocols were laid out:
- Jagannath Rath Yatra security police dress colour will include khaki uniforms with color-coded badges or arm patches to signify zone assignments, green for crowd control, red for emergency response, and blue for coastal units.
- All personnel posted within the temple’s inner security perimeter will wear high-visibility vests to distinguish themselves from volunteers and sevayats.
- A security pass for Rath Yatra will be mandatory for temple staff, volunteers, press, and VVIPs, validated by QR code scanning.
Health, Fire, and Coastal Safety
To ensure health and safety in Puri during the summer heat:
- 69 temporary health centers, 64 ambulances, and 265 hospital beds will be available, manned by 378 doctors, paramedics, and AIIMS specialists.
- Water quality monitoring vans will patrol the Grand Road and station areas; WATCO is installing potable water booths and overhead mist sprayers.
- Fire safety has been enhanced by banning diyas and open-air cooking in designated security zones. Quick-response fire tenders will be stationed at crowd hot spots and narrow alleys.
On the beach front, Puri security zones will be monitored with patrolling units, lifeguards, and drone-enabled alert systems to detect drowning or overcrowding at tourist beaches like Swargadwar and Blue Flag Beach.
Railway & Traffic Control
Managing the enormous inflow of pilgrims:
- 365 special trains will operate during Rath Yatra week, with extra RPF and GRP personnel conducting night patrols and anti-crime checks.
- AI and drone data will help Odisha Police adjust traffic diversions in real time.
- Fencing and barricades will manage queues along Grand Road, supported by digital signage in Odia, Hindi, and English for public directions.
You May Like Also: Rath Yatra In Puri Vs Rath Yatra In Digha
Summing Up
The Puri Rath Yatra 2025 security plan is one of the most advanced crowd management and policing operations undertaken in India for a religious event.
With cutting-edge AI surveillance at Rath Yatra, drone and coastal monitoring, health and fire safety protocols, and an integrated control system, the Odisha government and police have shown remarkable foresight.
Their approach not only honors the spiritual magnitude of the Jagannath Rath Yatra but ensures that faith and safety go hand in hand in this massive celebration of culture and devotion.
