Bhubaneswar: With the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 approaching, preparations across Puri have intensified on multiple fronts, including temple restoration works, infrastructure upgrades, crowd management planning, and security arrangements. Senior officials from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Odisha Police, and the state government are closely monitoring the progress to ensure smooth conduct of the annual mega festival scheduled for July 16.
Gundicha Temple repair to be completed before Rath Yatra
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has confirmed that all repair and restoration works at the Gundicha Temple will be completed well ahead of the Rath Yatra. The temple, considered the “Janma Bedi” (birthplace) of MahaprabhuJagannath during the annual sojourn, undergoes extensive preparation every year to accommodate rituals and the stay of the deities.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee stated that special attention has been given to strengthening and beautifying key structural areas of the temple complex. Restoration work has already been completed on the northern entrance structure, while damaged Khondalite stone slabs in the temple courtyard have been replaced.
Officials said stone restoration has also been carried out at several critical points between the Adapa Mandap and Nakachana Dwar to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremonial Pahandi procession, during which the deities are carried from the Jagannath Temple to the chariots.
Temple authorities have also initiated consultations with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the next phase of conservation work. According to officials, repair activities at the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Gruha), Natamandap, and Jagamohan are scheduled to begin on the 18th of this month, immediately after the Rath Yatra rituals allow access.
Padhee said that since the ASI undertakes conservation work during the short period when the deities are at the Gundicha Temple, all repair work must be carefully planned and executed within limited time frames. He added that discussions have been held with technical experts and written communication has also been sent to the ASI Director General.
Accessibility upgrades and IIT Bhubaneswar involvement
In a significant infrastructure development, a ramp system will be installed at the Natamandap of the Jagannath Temple to improve accessibility for elderly devotees and persons with disabilities. The design and implementation responsibility has been entrusted to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar.
Officials said the initiative aims to enhance pilgrim convenience while preserving the architectural and heritage character of the shrine. The ramp system is part of a broader effort to modernise facilities inside the temple complex without disturbing its traditional structure.
SJTA officials clarified that similar arrangements are routinely undertaken during Rath Yatra periods and will be implemented under the guidance of a technical advisory committee.
Coordination with servitors and conservation planning
The SJTA Chief Administrator further informed that all conservation activities will be carried out in close coordination with the temple servitors (Sevayats), ensuring that religious traditions are maintained alongside structural preservation.
He emphasised that restoration work at the Gundicha Temple must be completed in advance of the festival, as it serves as the temporary abode of MahaprabhuJagannath and His siblings during the Rath Yatra period.
Padhee also stated that senior officials are regularly inspecting the ongoing improvement works at the Gundicha Temple to ensure readiness for the upcoming festival. The focus remains on providing a safe, clean, and well-organised environment for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad.
Odisha Police finalises massive security arrangements
Alongside temple preparations, the Odisha Police has put in place a comprehensive security plan for Rath Yatra 2026, anticipating the arrival of lakhs of devotees in Puri.
A high-level review meeting was held on July 4 at the District Police Office (DPO), chaired by the Director General of Police (DGP), to finalise security and crowd management strategies.
According to officials, around 12,000 police personnel will be deployed for the festival. This includes traffic constables and other specialised units. Additionally, 10 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including personnel from the CRPF and BSF, will assist the state police.
To strengthen on-ground security, 250 platoons of Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP), India Reserve Battalion (IRBN), Auxiliary Police Force (APR), and traffic units will be deployed across the city.
Around 3,000 home guards will also be engaged to assist in crowd control, parking management, and general assistance to pilgrims.
Focus on weather preparedness and crowd safety
Given the possibility of heavy rainfall during the festival period, the DGP has directed officials to remain fully prepared for adverse weather conditions. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to ensure that the Rath Yatra proceeds smoothly despite potential natural challenges.
Authorities have been instructed to prioritise the safety of devotees at every stage, including arrival, darshan, and departure. Special attention is being given to evacuation planning, emergency response systems, and crowd flow regulation.
The DGP also reviewed arrangements for accommodation and logistics for security personnel deployed from outside Odisha.
Advisory for pilgrims and traffic management
The police administration has urged devotees to strictly follow official traffic advisories issued by the Odisha Police. Pilgrims have been advised to regularly check updates on the official police portal and adhere to real-time traffic guidance to avoid congestion.
Officials stated that compliance with advisories would significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks and ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians during peak festival days.
Participation of senior officials in review meeting
The security review meeting witnessed participation from several senior police officials, reflecting the importance of the event. Those present included Director of Intelligence R.P. Koche, Additional DGP (Modernisation) Soumendra Priyadarshi, Additional DGP (Railway & Coastal Security) Arun Bothra, Additional DGP (Law & Order) Sanjay Kumar, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Additional DGP (SAP) Rajesh Kumar, IGP (Training) Anup Kumar Sahu, Director (SCRB) Abinash Kumar, IGP (Crime Branch) Dr. Sarthak Sarangi, and other senior officers.
DIG-level officials, including Puri SP Prateek Singh, also participated in the meeting. Senior officers such as IG (North Central Range) Satyabrata Bhoi and DIG (Eastern Range) Pinak Mishra joined virtually and provided their inputs on logistics, intelligence coordination, and operational planning.
Authorities expressed confidence that coordinated efforts between multiple departments and strong public cooperation would ensure a safe and successful Rath Yatra in 2026.
Chief Minister to review preparations on July 6
In a parallel development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to personally review Rath Yatra preparations on July 6 at 10:15 AM. The review meeting will include detailed discussions on rituals, crowd management, traffic regulation, and facilities for devotees.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee announced the schedule and confirmed that senior officials from both the temple administration and district administration will attend the meeting.
During the review, officials will present updated reports on preparedness measures, pending issues, and inter-departmental coordination efforts. The Chief Minister is expected to assess key arrangements and provide directions to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the grand festival.
Preparations intensify across Puri
With just days remaining for the Rath Yatra, preparations across Puri are now in full swing. Temple renovation works, chariot construction activities, police deployment planning, and civic infrastructure upgrades are progressing simultaneously.
Officials said that the sacred chariots of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Mahaprabhu Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are also nearing completion as part of the traditional preparations for the Shree Gundicha Yatra.
Authorities remain optimistic that with coordinated efforts from the temple administration, state government, police forces, and public participation, Rath Yatra 2026 will be conducted in a safe, disciplined, and spiritually fulfilling manner for millions of devotees.
