Puri, Jul 8: In the wake of a massive turnout during this year’s Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has announced an ambitious, long-term plan to streamline pilgrim movement and control crowd congestion in future years.

With over 15 lakh devotees attending the festival this year, officials anticipate a steep rise in numbers in 2026 and beyond. Law and Works Minister stated that the government expects more than 25 lakh devotees to visit Puri during next year’s Rath Yatra.

To ensure smooth and safe experiences for all attendees, preparations are already underway to implement structured darshan protocols and improve traffic, parking, and public infrastructure in and around the temple city.

The proposed blueprint spans the next 20 years, aiming to transform Puri into a pilgrimage model city with modern systems for crowd control and devotional services. Plans include construction of new roads, enhancement of existing routes, expansion of parking zones, and deployment of advanced traffic regulation systems during the festival.

State officials emphasized a focus on seamless entry and exit strategies for pilgrims, use of real-time monitoring, and strategic placement of volunteer teams to guide visitor flow. The initiative seeks to balance tradition with technological intervention, ensuring spiritual fulfillment while prioritizing public safety.

This mega plan reflects the government’s proactive approach to managing growing footfalls while preserving the sanctity of Jagannath Temple and the iconic Rath Yatra.

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