Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to improve crowd control and ensure public safety during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania has announced the introduction of AI-powered surveillance and a dedicated mobile application for devotees.
After a high-level preparatory meeting at the DGP Camp Office in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, DGP Khurania presented a comprehensive strategy for this year’s Rath Yatra, focusing on technology-driven crowd and traffic management.
An Integrated Command and Control Room will be established at the Town Police Station in Puri to monitor real-time crowd dynamics, traffic flow, and overall security arrangements. Operating 24/7, the centre will utilise live feeds from hundreds of high-resolution CCTV cameras installed at key locations—from Uttara Chhak to the Jagannath Temple, extending to Konark.
“These AI-enabled cameras will automatically identify abnormal crowd patterns, surges, and other potential threats, allowing for swift and effective responses,” the DGP stated.
To assist devotees and effectively manage the large influx of visitors, a mobile application has also been developed. The app will provide users with route suggestions for accessing Puri, updates on available parking areas, and real-time crowd density information for various locations. Additionally, geographical information (GI) tagging of areas will facilitate precise tracking and deployment of security personnel as required.
The DGP further highlighted that traffic movements will be closely monitored using the AI-based system, with real-time advisories issued to ensure smooth vehicular and pedestrian flow.
“The 2025 Rath Yatra will involve extensive planning and coordination among multiple agencies. With AI surveillance and digital tools in place, we aim to provide a safer, more organised experience for all devotees,” he added.
To address potential terrorist threats during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, DGP Y.B. Khurania announced strong maritime and aerial security measures. These include joint patrolling at sea involving the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Odisha Police’s Marine Police Stations, along with the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) on ships.
For aerial security, drones and anti-drone systems will be deployed, ensuring vigilance from the skies. DGP Khurania emphasised that an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and an armoured vehicle will also be stationed in Puri to respond to any adverse situations.
In light of security requirements, more personnel than in previous years will be deployed. The DGP also stressed the importance of being constantly prepared for any potential unrest or crowd disturbances during the festival.
The high-level meeting also reviewed plans for traffic regulation, including the installation of road dividers, delineators, and designated traffic zones. Adequate parking facilities across the city and structured traffic flow were also discussed.
Coastal patrolling by police will be intensified, and temporary police outposts will be established along the Puri coast. Extensive security measures will also be implemented at various railway stations in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The DGP advised maintaining close coordination with RPF authorities to ensure the safety of passengers.
Additionally, arrangements will be made for designated helipads for VIPs, special residential facilities for police personnel, smooth chariot pulling, strategic barricading, and prompt resolution of any public issues in coordination with the district administration. Separate facilities will also be provided for devotees to have a structured and safe darshan.
The meeting also included discussions on emergency response protocols, emphasising the goal of ensuring that the Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and without incident.
DGP Khurania appealed for public cooperation to make the festival a success.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including: R.P. Koche (Director, Intelligence), Saumendra Kumar Priyadarshi (ADG, Modernisation), Sanjay Kumar (ADG, Law & Order), Amitabh Thakur (Transport Commissioner), Dayal Gangwar (ADG, Communication), Rajesh Kumar (ADG, SAP), S. Praveen Kumar (IG, Central Range), Dr. Deepak Kumar (IG, Operations), Anup Sahu (IG, BPSPA), Charan Singh Meena (DIG, Provisioning), Dr. Kanwar Vishal Singh (DIG, SIW), Pinak Mishra (DIG, STF), B. Gangadhar (DIG, Crime Branch), Yugal Kishore Banoth (DIG, Personnel), Vivekananda Sharma (SP, Railway), Vineet Agrawal (SP, Puri), along with many other senior police officials.
