Odisha Gears Up for a Safer Rath Yatra with New Measures

The Odisha government plans to issue fewer cordon passes for Rath Yatra to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety. The decision followed a review meeting addressing issues like crowd management, security, and health facilities. Major infrastructure projects in Puri are nearing completion ahead of the festival.

The Odisha government has introduced new measures to ensure a safer Rath Yatra this year by reducing the number of cordon passes, a move prompted by last year's tragic incidents where three people lost their lives. Announced at a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, this decision aims to prevent overcrowding around the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

The meeting placed a strong emphasis on crowd management, focusing on the 'Pahandi' procession rituals along the Grand Road. There was also a consensus to restrict the distribution of free cooked food on this major thoroughfare, allocating designated areas for this purpose to maintain cleanliness.

Significant infrastructure upgrades are underway in Puri, including the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre and multi-level parking facilities, to support the influx of pilgrims. Measures such as additional ticket counters, enhanced surveillance, road improvements, and temporary health and sanitation facilities are being expedited to enhance the festival experience and address safety concerns.