Argus News - Odisha Govt Prepares Master Plan For Puri Rath Yatra 2026

Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: The Odisha government has prepared a comprehensive master plan with a sharp focus on crowd management and safety for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra in Puri, officials said on Wednesday.

The plan was presented at the second meeting of the Rath Yatra Coordination Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan.

Puri District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh outlined the Rath Yatra Master Plan 2026, seeking cooperation from various departments. Officials noted that the blueprint was prepared in light of last year’s tragedy, when three people, including two women, lost their lives and around 50 others injured in a stampede during the festival.

This year, the Rath Yatra will be held on July 16, followed by the Bahuda Yatra on July 24.

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said preparations were underway, with wood procurement for chariot construction completed. Special arrangements have been made for the “charamala” (wooden ladders used to bring down deities from the chariots), after last year’s stampede occurred during their shifting near Sri Gundicha Temple.

Chief Secretary Garg stressed the importance of timely completion of rituals to ensure chariot pulling begins as scheduled. She also highlighted the need for effective crowd management along Puri’s Grand Road (Bada Danda), adequate parking facilities, healthcare services, emergency response, and sanitation.

Also Read: Puri District Collector Reviews Rath Yatra 2026 Arrangements

Director General of Police Y B Khurania suggested installing sufficient CCTV cameras from Uttara Chhak to Bada Danda. An integrated command control centre will be set up to oversee law and order and crowd movement.

The Information and Public Relations Department has been tasked with broadcasting the rituals, while Indian Railways will enhance ticket counters and online availability to manage pilgrim inflow.

The Works Department said that road repairs and maintenance would be completed ahead of the festival. Odisha Police will create temporary parking lots at multiple locations, and the Emergency Department will install 50 high-mast lights to illuminate Bada Danda, officials said.