Puri, June 26: With the world-famous Rath Yatra set to roll out tomorrow, the temple town of Puri has activated a comprehensive and tech-enabled Traffic Mobility Plan to manage the anticipated surge of over 15 lakh devotees.

Inspired by the scale and precision of the Kumbh Mela, this year’s traffic strategy marks a significant leap in crowd and vehicle management.

For the first time, an Integrated Command and Control Room has been made operational, serving as the nerve center for real-time traffic monitoring and coordination. The Odisha Police will also debut a Digital Network System, enabling seamless communication across 10 dedicated traffic management teams.

To prevent congestion, multiple vehicle holding zones have been established across the city. Parking arrangements have been strategically distributed, with 21 designated lots at key locations such as Sterling Hotel, Malatipatapur, and Talabania. Watch towers and VHF network systems will monitor vehicular movement, while six enforcement squads will ensure no-parking zones remain clear.

In a first, 300 private security personnel have been deployed to assist with traffic regulation. All operations will be centrally controlled from a state-of-the-art war room, ensuring swift response to any disruptions.

The plan also includes over 80 additional aid posts, and a flexibility model that allows local officers to adapt to real-time crowd dynamics. Traffic will be managed in three operational zones, with clear signage and route diversions in place.

The Puri Police have appealed to the public to strictly follow traffic advisories and cooperate with on-ground personnel to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching Rath Yatra experience.

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