By Puri/Ahmedabad | June 25, 2025 — As the revered Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced today amidst chants of devotion and spiritual fervor, authorities in both Puri and Ahmedabad implemented one of the most extensive security arrangements in the history of the annual celebration. Millions of devotees converged to witness the celestial procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, with both cities adopting cutting-edge technology and intensive manpower deployment to ensure a safe and peaceful event.
Devotion Meets Discipline: Puri and Ahmedabad in Festive Vigil
While the seaside pilgrim town of Puri came alive with its centuries-old grandeur, Ahmedabad too hosted its 148th Rath Yatra with unmatched zeal and meticulous planning. To handle the mammoth crowds and prevent any untoward incident, the local administrations of both cities have fortified their security strategies — combining traditional police presence with advanced surveillance measures.
In Ahmedabad, a record 23,884 police personnel have been deployed along the yatra route, comprising:
- 9 Inspectors General (IGs) and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs)
- 38 Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)
- 4 Additional SPs
- 88 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs)
- 298 Police Inspectors (PIs)
- 558 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs)
- 3 Chetak Commando Units
- 10 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams
- 19 State Reserve Police (SRP) companies
- 9 Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies
- 20 Dog Squad Teams
- 4 Mobile Command & Control Vehicles
- 6,500 Home Guards
- 1,100 Civil Defence Volunteers
India’s First-Ever AI-Powered Security Setup for Rath Yatra
In a landmark move, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been introduced into the security framework for the first time in a public religious procession in India. Authorities in Ahmedabad have deployed 15 AI-powered surveillance drones that monitor real-time crowd density and provide live feeds to centralized command centers. These drones are being used to anticipate bottlenecks and swiftly direct resources as needed.
Adding to the digital arsenal are:
- 3,500 high-resolution CCTV cameras, including:
- 2,872 body-worn cameras on officers
- 240 fixed “Dhaba Point” surveillance units
- 225 live-streaming cameras at critical checkpoints
These systems are integrated with facial recognition software and crowd-behavior analytics to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.
Humanitarian Measures: Crowd Care and Child Safety
Along the yatra routes, 17 Jan Sahay Kendras (Public Assistance Centers) have been set up to provide aid, medical support, and reunite lost individuals—especially children—with their families. These centers are being manned by trained volunteers, child protection officers, and social workers to ensure rapid response in emergencies.
Earlier in the morning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his family offered prayers at the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad and attended the Mangla Aarti, emphasizing the central government’s involvement in overseeing security and cultural significance.
Puri Rath Yatra 2025: Detailed Traffic and Transport Management
In Puri, where the spiritual heartbeat of the Rath Yatra resonates strongest, local authorities have declared several vehicle-free zones, especially the Grand Road and adjoining streets near the Jagannath Temple. This move ensures safe passage for the deities and unrestricted movement for devotees.
Traffic and parking advisory includes:
- Tourist Buses:
- From Bhubaneswar: Allowed till Malatipatapur Parking, return via same route.
- From Brahmagiri: Flourish India Parking.
- From Konark: Swami Narayan Temple Parking.
- Regular Buses:
- From Bhubaneswar: Talabania Bus Stand via Malatipatapur ROB.
- From Konark and Brahmagiri: Routes converging at Talabania, with defined exit paths.
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs):
- Directed to designated sequential parking areas like Helipad Ground, OLA Guest House, and Fish Market. Overflow areas include Sterling side and Horticulture Field.
- Two-Wheelers:
- Parking permitted at Old Jagannath Ballav parking. Overflow accommodated at Matitota Helipad and adjacent playgrounds. From Konark, vehicles are restricted to Blue Flag Beach and Hotel Neelachal Ashok parking.
Strict restrictions are in place on several routes, including Light House to Digabareni Chhaka, Subhash Bose Chhaka to Hospital Crossing, and all roads leading to the Jagannath Temple. These zones are under tight watch by foot-patrolling units and drone surveillance.
Spiritual Grandeur Under Technological Vigil
The 2025 Rath Yatra is a striking example of tradition embracing technology. With AI drones in the sky, tens of thousands of boots on the ground, and state-of-the-art surveillance, this year’s festival reflects how India is preparing to celebrate its heritage with smart governance and citizen safety at its core.
From temple rituals to real-time intelligence operations, the journey of the divine chariots now mirrors the country’s journey toward a modern yet spiritually anchored future.
