Puri, a temple town in Odisha, experiences a unique transformation during the Rath Yatra, as it becomes a hub of devotion and celebration. Every year, the town welcomes millions of devotees as Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, embark on their annual journey to Gundicha Temple. However, the massive influx of attendees poses significant challenges for local authorities, especially concerning safety and crowd management.

This year’s Rath Yatra is particularly noteworthy due to the anticipated arrival of around thirty lakh devotees on Thursday, which marks the commencement of the nine-day festival. In light of last year’s devastating stampede that resulted in casualties and injuries, the Odisha government is taking rigorous measures to ensure a safe experience for all participants.

In addition to crowd management, authorities face the challenge of a Covid scare emerging from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Given the volume of pilgrims expected, enhanced Covid surveillance and random testing are being implemented, especially in Ganjam district, which adjoins Andhra Pradesh.

Safety Measures Implemented For Crowd Control

The first day of Rath Yatra is critically important, as it symbolizes the deities’ journey and attracts massive crowds eager for a view of the wooden chariots. The Grand Road fills with devotees seeking to touch the sacred ropes of the chariots, a practice believed to confer blessings. This enthusiastic participation often leads to overcrowding and, at times, chaotic situations.

In response to last year’s tragic stampede, wherein three people lost their lives and numerous others were injured, the government has devised comprehensive security measures. Approximately twelve thousand police personnel and over two hundred executive magistrates have been deployed across the city. In addition, assistance from Navy and Coast Guard personnel has been enlisted to bolster security during the procession.

To ensure efficient monitoring, nineteen senior IPS officers will oversee operations via five hundred CCTV cameras installed throughout the area. An integrated command and control centre has been established to manage crowd movements effectively, and drones will assist with real-time aerial surveillance.

Learning From Past Incidents

The stampede in 2025 prompted a high-level inquiry, following criticism from the opposition regarding the government’s crowd management practices. Although the specifics of the investigation remain largely undisclosed, reports suggested that police negligence and technical failures with the command centre contributed to the tragic event. The inquiry indicated that the police did not effectively control the rising crowd, resulting in chaos.

This year, preparations began seven months before the event, with multiple evacuation corridors planned to facilitate the smooth movement of participants in case of emergencies. Special accommodations are also being made for people with disabilities, the elderly, and women to ensure safety and accessibility. The previous year’s stampede highlighted the vulnerability of older attendees and has led to increased focus on their safety this year.

Authorities are also implementing stricter regulations for access to restricted areas. Previously, support staff for VIPs frequently congested areas near the chariot, leading to dangerous situations. In an effort to mitigate this, the government has limited the number of cordon passes issued and will not permit supporters of officials to enter these areas during the festivities.

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