Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Lord Jagannath’s chariot ready; check dates, timings, special trains here

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BHUBANESWAR: The Puri Rath Yatra—one of India’s most revered religious festivals—will begin on June 27. This annual event celebrates the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

The chariot festival will witness an extensive deployment of security forces, advanced surveillance technology, health precautions, and transportation support to manage the anticipated surge of devotees from across India and beyond.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after chairing the final security meeting, confirmed extensive deployment of personnel and tech. The decision comes amid national security concerns post-Operation Sindoor. The security framework includes:Security measures and precautions

State govt plans to deploy NSG snipers on rooftops along Grand Road in Puri.
Road and aerial patrol through helicopters to prevent potential airborne threats are under active consideration of the state govt.
Five-tier security system, comprising over 10,000 police personnel, central forces, more than 200 platoons of state forces
Anti-terrorist squad, has been put in place for peaceful conduct of the festival.
The government plans to strengthen security for the Rath Yatra through extensive police deployment, aided by AI-powered surveillance systems, including AI-enabled cameras and drones for monitoring, crowd control, and traffic management.

Safety & health measures for crowd management

Police have been instructed to take adequate steps to prevent stampede-like situations and rumour-mongering.
Police were also instructed to identify potential stampede-prone areas and implement stringent preventive measures.
The fire service directorate has been directed to maintain strict vigilance, and authorities have imposed a ban on the sale of diyas and outdoor cooking in crowded areas to prevent fire hazards.
In view of recent cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks in parts of Odisha, the health department has been directed to stay on heightened alert throughout the event.
Along with this, safe drinking water and healthy food should also be available for the tourists during the festival, the chief minister told the officials.

ECoR to operate 365 special trains

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Sunday announced elaborate arrangements for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, including the operation of a record 365 special trains — up from 315 last year.
These special trains will facilitate smooth travel for pilgrims and visitors by connecting Puri to various locations across Odisha such as Rourkela, Biramitrapur, Bangiriposi, Junagarh Road, Sambalpur, Angul, and Cuttack.
The services will also extend to key destinations in neighbouring states, including Visakhapatnam and Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, Jagdalpur and Gondia in Chhattisgarh, and Santragachhi in West Bengal.
Railways have placed special focus on key festival days such as Gundicha Yatra, Sandhya Darshan, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha. Dedicated services from remote and interior regions have been planned to ensure maximum accessibility for devotees.

President of the samiti, Krishna Bhagwan Kesarwani, told TOI that the yatra will be taken out in the city from Hewett Road to Mutthiganj Chota Chauraha with full pomp and show. He added that there would be a seven-days shringar of Lord Jagannath and other deities on June 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 2, 3 and 5.

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