Puri, Jul 6: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued a 10-point directive to ensure a smooth and incident-free Rath Yatra 2026. The directives were issued at the final coordination meeting, chaired by CM Majhi, before the festival.

Despite minor incidents in previous years, the Chief Minister emphasized strict adherence to rituals on time and directed officials to focus on devotees’ safety.

Directives at a Glance

During the coordination meeting, CM Majhi issued strict instructions to the District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida regarding the issuance of cordon passes. He directed that not a single extra cordon pass should be issued beyond the rules. Only servitors and employees directly connected with the rituals will be eligible for passes.

Also read: 195 Additional OAS, ORS Officers Appointed as Executive Magistrates for Puri Rath Yatra

The Chief Minister also delivered a message of dedication and coordination at the meeting. He advised all departments to work with a spirit of dedication and urged servitors and employees to discharge their responsibilities while maintaining coordination. CM Majhi stated that if duties are carried out with proper coordination, Rath Yatra can be conducted flawlessly.

Unauthorized entry into the inner cordon will be strictly prohibited, with passes issued only to servitors and officials directly involved in rituals.

With favourable weather expected to draw record crowds, CM Majhi instructed extensive use of AI and drones for crowd management.

Women’s safety and real-time monitoring were prioritized, while police were asked to remain alert against possible terror threats targeting religious gatherings.

The Fire Department was directed to stay prepared for emergencies to save lives, while traffic management, food quality checks, and drinking water supply were also stressed.

The Chief Minister further asked the police cyber team to monitor social media closely and take strict action against rumour-mongers.

CM Majhi emphasized advance communication to devotees regarding rituals and preparedness for rain or storms based on weather forecasts.

Ambulances will be stationed along national highways to prevent casualties in case of accidents.

Who Attended the Meeting

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, and DGP YB Khurania.

Other Developments

No Cooked Food: This year, cooked food will not be distributed on the Grand Road during Rath Yatra 2026, but dry food packets will be allowed to avoid unhygienic conditions.

Public Welfare & Convenience: The Urban Development Department has completed cleaning of drains, repairing of roads, and arranged 24 parking spaces. High-capacity pumps have been installed at 30 identified waterlogging-prone areas.

Rail Connectivity

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the much-awaited Puri-Koraput Special Train service, jointly inaugurated with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Majhi at Puri Railway Station.

The new rail link is expected to strengthen connectivity between coastal, western, and southern Odisha, boosting tourism, trade, employment, and socio-economic growth.

The train will run via Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Angul, Sambalpur, Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Rayagada, Kakiriguma, and Damanjodi, connecting key religious, educational, healthcare, and commercial hubs across the state.