Puri Rath Yatra 2025: AI Integration, NSG Snipers, & Advanced Surveillance will be Added to Fest’s Security

The annual Puri Rath Yatra, also known as the Shree Gundicha Yatra or Chariot Festival, the biggest Hindu gathering in India, commences on Friday, June 27, 2025, with extraordinary security arrangements in place to ensure the safety of an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims expected to participate in the sacred procession. Following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Odisha Police have implemented comprehensive security protocols for the festival, marking this year’s celebration as one of the most heavily guarded religious gatherings in the state’s history.

The security apparatus for Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra 2025 represents a significant enhancement over previous years, with 275 AI-enabled cameras strategically installed throughout the festival route to monitor crowd movements and potential security threats in real-time. These sophisticated surveillance systems have been positioned along the route between Uttara Chhak and Puri town, as well as between Puri and Konark, providing comprehensive coverage of the entire procession path.

Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania confirmed the establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Room in Puri for the first time, enabling authorities to monitor live visuals from all AI-enabled CCTV cameras around the clock. This technological advancement represents a significant step forward in crowd management and security surveillance for the festival.

The security arrangements for Rath Yatra 2025 include the deployment of approximately 10,000 security personnel across various specialized units. The comprehensive security framework encompasses NSG snipers, bomb disposal squads, canine units, anti-sabotage teams, and advanced anti-drone systems, ensuring multi-dimensional protection for the sacred event.

Director of Intelligence R.P. Koche emphasized the heightened security significance, stating in The Hindu report that the Shri Jagannath Temple’s location in a high-security zone necessitates enhanced protective measures during the Rath Yatra celebrations. Additional Director General of Police (Modernisation) Soumendra Priyadarshi confirmed that special security arrangements have been implemented for Sri Gundicha Temple and the three sacred chariots- Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Darapadalana.

Recognizing the coastal location of Puri, authorities have coordinated with multiple maritime agencies to secure the seafront. DGP Khurania announced the deployment of Odisha’s Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, and Indian Navy personnel to ensure comprehensive security coverage along the coastal areas throughout the festival.

The Puri Rath Yatra 2025 exemplifies the integration of traditional religious practices with modern technology. For the first time, a live chatbot system has been implemented to provide real-time updates on parking availability, route information, and directional guidance to visitors. This innovative approach aims to enhance traffic management and facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims based on real-time availability assessments. The AI-enabled surveillance network, comprising 275 cameras strategically positioned across the festival route, enables authorities to monitor crowd density, identify potential bottlenecks, and respond promptly to any emergencies.

The Indian Railways has announced the operation of 1,215 special train services to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, including 365 special trains and 850 regular services dedicated to Rath Yatra 2025. This extensive transportation network has been designed to manage the expected arrival and departure of devotees efficiently.

Recognizing the diverse needs of pilgrims, organizers have arranged for the distribution of approximately 250,000 free meals to devotees throughout the festival period. The infrastructure also includes strategically placed food stalls, water distribution points, cooling facilities, medical booths, and comprehensive sanitation and cleaning services. Special attention has been given to accessibility requirements, with dedicated arrangements for women, elderly participants, and differently-abled devotees, ensuring inclusive participation in the sacred festivities.

The Puri Rath Yatra, celebrated annually on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, holds immense religious significance as one of Hinduism's most revered festivals. The event features the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the main temple to Sri Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for several days before returning. The festival’s unique characteristic lies in its universal accessibility, allowing people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate in the procession and watch the deities, unlike regular temple access, which is restricted to certain communities.

Moreover, the implementation of these advanced security measures reflects Odisha’s authorities' commitment to maintaining the sanctity and safety of the Puri Rath Yatra this year, while preserving its traditional religious essence. The successful integration of cutting-edge technology with time-honored customs demonstrates the evolution of security management for large-scale religious gatherings in India. As the festival progresses, authorities continue to monitor all security parameters closely, ensuring that the estimated 1.5 million pilgrims can participate in this sacred celebration with complete peace of mind and spiritual fulfillment.

Read: Puri Prepares for Grand Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 Amid New Regulations and Architectural Preservation Initiatives