Every year, the sacred city of Puri in Odisha transforms into a sea of devotion as millions gather to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. This ancient festival, deeply rooted in tradition, sees the deities being paraded on massive chariots through the streets, pulled by thousands of devotees. However, the 2025 edition of the Rath Yatra is witnessing something never seen before – a massive, technologically advanced, and multi-layered security arrangement that reflects both the scale of the event and the evolving security challenges of modern India.
With the expected crowd crossing fifteen lakh pilgrims in just the first two days, the Odisha government, central forces, and specialized units have left no stone unturned in creating an iron-clad security plan that blends manpower, cutting-edge technology, and inter-agency coordination.
Massive Deployment of Security Forces
The security grid for this year’s Rath Yatra begins with an enormous deployment of personnel on the ground. Over ten thousand police officers and paramilitary personnel have been stationed across the city. The deployment includes units from the Odisha Police as well as central forces like the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and the Rapid Action Force.
For the first time in the history of Rath Yatra, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has been activated on-site. Specially trained in urban warfare and counter-terrorism tactics, these commandos have taken up positions close to the Jagannath Temple and along the main procession routes. An armored vehicle, named ‘Rakshak’, has also been deployed to ensure a rapid response to any potential threat.
Adding another layer of defense, snipers from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) have been stationed on rooftops across strategic locations in the city. Their presence is aimed at neutralizing any high-risk threats from elevated vantage points.
More than two hundred platoons, dog squads, bomb disposal units, anti-sabotage specialists, and tactical response teams have been distributed across all vulnerable and high-density areas in and around Puri. Furthermore, marine forces including the Odisha Marine Police, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy have been tasked with securing the coastal belt adjacent to the city.
AI-Powered Surveillance: Watching Every Move
One of the most significant advancements in this year’s security setup is the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crowd monitoring and surveillance. More than two hundred and seventy-five AI-enabled closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed across the city, covering the main yatra routes from Uttara Chhak to Puri town and even extending towards Konark.
These aren’t ordinary cameras. Equipped with smart analytics, they can monitor crowd density, track unusual movements, detect suspicious behavior, and alert control rooms well in advance if any crowd surge or bottleneck seems likely. This proactive approach helps prevent stampedes and ensures smooth crowd dispersal.
All camera feeds are being monitored round-the-clock at the newly established Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC). Additionally, smaller sub-control rooms serve as local command hubs to coordinate field responses swiftly.
Aerial Surveillance and Anti-Drone Technology
To strengthen the security net further, drones operated by the Odisha Police are conducting continuous aerial surveillance over the entire procession route. These drones are providing real-time video feeds to the control rooms, allowing authorities to track crowd movement and vehicular flow from the air.
For the first time, specialized anti-drone technology has been deployed in Puri during the Rath Yatra. These systems use radar, radio frequency detection, and optical sensors to identify and neutralize any unauthorized drones that might breach the designated no-fly zones. This addition is a direct response to the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in large gatherings.
Complementing aerial surveillance, NSG snipers on rooftops have been positioned with clear lines of sight, giving them full coverage of key event areas.
Centralized Command and Real-Time Coordination
The backbone of the entire operation is the Integrated Command and Control Center. This facility acts as the nerve center for all security operations, bringing together surveillance feeds from CCTV cameras, drone visuals, NSG and ATS inputs, and other ground-level data.
For the first time, all security agencies involved in the Rath Yatra are working in seamless coordination under one roof. This centralized system enables authorities to take swift, informed decisions during both routine monitoring and crisis situations.
Traffic and Crowd Management: Precision Planning
With millions of pilgrims pouring into Puri over a short period, managing both human and vehicular traffic has been a critical challenge. To streamline operations, the city has been divided into eight zones, each under the command of a dedicated senior officer.
Each zone is responsible for crowd control, traffic management, coastal security, and air surveillance coordination. Special parking zones have been established at more than twenty locations around Puri to reduce vehicle congestion near the yatra route.
Additionally, a real-time chatbot service has been launched this year to assist pilgrims. This mobile application offers live updates on parking space availability, traffic diversions, medical help locations, and emergency contact points. The chatbot also provides immediate alerts and safety instructions if the need arises.
To ensure safe and smooth passage for Very Important Persons (VIPs) and VVIPs, special traffic corridors and helipads have been arranged.
Coastal and Perimeter Security
Given Puri’s coastal location, maritime security has been given top priority. The Marine Police, Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy are jointly patrolling the coastline to prevent any infiltration or maritime threats. These units are working in tandem with land-based forces to ensure perimeter security around the city.
The integrated sea-land-air vigilance ensures that both terrestrial and aquatic zones remain under constant surveillance.
Intelligence-Led Operations and Terror Threat Preparedness
The National Security Guard conducted a comprehensive security review of the Jagannath Temple premises and the yatra routes as early as May this year. This review examined every possible vulnerability, including entry and exit points, surveillance coverage, and emergency response mechanisms.
Following the NSG’s recommendations, the Odisha government has deployed the Swatantra Shree Mandir Surakshya Vahini—a dedicated force of over one thousand personnel focused on temple security and anti-terror readiness.
The ATS has also intensified its operations to ensure a quick reaction force remains on standby throughout the festival. Their enhanced presence began during the Debasnan Purnima rituals and will continue until the yatra concludes.
Specialized Bomb Disposal and Emergency Response Teams
To address sabotage threats, bomb disposal squads and anti-sabotage teams are stationed across all critical points of the yatra route. K-9 units trained in explosive detection are conducting routine sweeps of public areas, parking spaces, and approach roads.
Emergency response protocols—including crowd dispersal strategies, medical evacuation plans, and VVIP evacuation routes—have been rehearsed in advance by combined teams from various security agencies.
Heightened Security Post Recent National Incidents
The increased security measures are partly a response to recent terror incidents in other parts of India. The Pahalgam incident earlier this year and heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border have raised the overall threat level. Consequently, aerial surveillance, anti-drone systems, and sniper deployments were escalated for this year’s Rath Yatra.
Given the likely presence of national leaders and other high-profile dignitaries, the ATS and NSG remain on high alert throughout the festival.
Pilgrim Logistics and Public Safety Measures
Understanding the influx of devotees, Indian Railways has scheduled over three hundred special trains to bring pilgrims safely to Puri. This measure is aimed at preventing overcrowding on regular train services.
Simultaneously, hotel accommodations, lodges, and guest houses in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri are under constant security review. Authorities are checking for fraudulent operators, unauthorized accommodations, and other irregularities.
Public advisories have also been issued warning pilgrims against online booking scams. Devotees are urged to book rooms and transportation only through verified channels to avoid fraud.
Technology as a Partner in Safety
At the heart of this elaborate security matrix is technology. Artificial intelligence, smart surveillance, drone-based monitoring, anti-drone defense, real-time communication apps, and centralized command centers have turned this Rath Yatra into one of the most technologically secured festivals in India’s history.
The chatbot service, with its ability to provide live updates and assist pilgrims with navigation and safety instructions, has emerged as a vital tool for crowd management and public safety.
Conclusion: Faith and Security Hand in Hand
The 2025 Rath Yatra stands as a monumental example of how tradition and technology can blend seamlessly. While millions gather to express their devotion and pull the holy chariots, thousands of unseen hands—from police officers to NSG snipers, from marine patrollers to AI monitors—work tirelessly to ensure that every pilgrim returns home safe.
This year’s security operations not only highlight the scale of preparation but also showcase the future of crowd management in India’s major religious festivals. Faith, when protected by foresight and technology, becomes an even stronger force. The Rath Yatra continues to be a beacon of spirituality, now reinforced by the shield of modern security innovation.
