Odisha Police has deployed 12,000 personnel, drones, anti-drone systems, and multi-agency security for the Puri Rath Yatra 2026 beginning July 16
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha Police has introduced a comprehensive security plan that encompasses surveillance from land, water, and air for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri on July 16, which is expected to draw a large crowd, as stated by an official on Wednesday.
The security plan primarily emphasizes crowd management, traffic control, and emergency response on land, while utilizing drones and anti-drone technology for aerial security.
A collaborative patrolling initiative involving the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Odisha Police Maritime Station has been established at sea, with Quick Response Teams (QRT) to be stationed on ships, according to the official.
The security strategy of Odisha Police was presented during a coordination meeting on Tuesday, which included key agencies such as the CRPF, BSF, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Indian Coast Guard, all of which will be deployed to ensure the Rath Yatra is conducted safely, orderly, and without incident. The meeting was chaired by Odisha DGP Y B Khurania.
In-depth discussions were held regarding the deployment and strategies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), NSG teams, and NSG Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for the Rath Yatra, with the DGP instructing the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Indian Coast Guard to collaborate in enhancing the security measures for this year.
The Odisha Police has announced that anti-sabotage measures will be enhanced at various key locations, with increased vigilance on suspicious activities.
“Furthermore, a strategy has been developed during the meeting to ensure that the bomb disposal unit and the sniffer dog team remain on high alert at all times to effectively manage any emergencies,” the statement indicated.
In addition to these measures, the Director General of Police (DGP) elaborated on the deployment of security vehicles around the temple, the K-9 unit, the National Security Guard (NSG)-trained Special Operations Group (SOG), and Special Tactical Units (STU).
The police have also devised special security protocols to prevent stampedes, which include necessary accommodations for police personnel, organized transportation, barricade setups, prompt resolution of urgent issues in collaboration with the district administration, and special arrangements for the orderly ‘darshan’ of devotees.
The DGP has mandated stringent actions against habitual offenders involved in theft and robbery on moving trains and at stations. To monitor their activities, images of identified criminals will be displayed at various significant public venues, railway stations, and railway police stations, with all photographs also being forwarded to the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Khurania has initiated a special campaign across all police stations to combat crime in Puri city. He has also instructed the Puri district police to conduct comprehensive inspections at locations such as hotels, lodges, monasteries, temples, bus terminals, railway stations, workers’ accommodations, dharmshalas, and similar establishments.
Officials have stated that a total of 12,000 police personnel will be deployed for the nine-day Rath Yatra festival commencing on July 16.