Rlys reviews arrangements to manage festival crowd
Bhubaneswar: To ensure smooth movement and a comfortable journey for devotees, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Wednesday reviewed the comprehensive arrangements made to manage influx of devotees for Rath Yatra.
ECoR general manager Parmeshwar Funkwal inspected Puri railway station and emphasised passenger comfort, crowd management, infrastructure readiness, and integration of technology to elevate pilgrim experience.
The railways announced operation of over 365 special trains from various states to accommodate the extraordinary travel demand. To manage the unprecedented crowd, ECoR established dedicated pilgrim waiting areas and mela sheds with a combined capacity of around 20,000 pilgrims.
The station infrastructure was significantly enhanced with covered seating zones, modular toilets, drinking water booths, mobile charging stations, and medical first aid stations with ambulance backup. A 24X7 control room at Puri will oversee operations, supported by help desks and 'May I Help You' counters across key points. Real-time updates will be provided through LED displays, public announcements, and the ECoR Yatra App, said an official statement of the ECoR.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
The ticketing infrastructure expanded to include 34 booking counters at Puri station and 35 additional counters at major junctions like Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Cuttack, Brahmapur, and Bhadrak. Mobile UTS counters and automatic ticket vending machines (ATVMs) with facilitators were also deployed to promote digital ticketing.
ECoR official sources said security measures were strengthened with the deployment of RPF and GRP personnel, 250 CCTV cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs.
Face recognition technology and dual-stage ticket checks will be implemented at 10 entry gates. Special attention was paid to elderly passengers, women, children, and the medically vulnerable through battery-operated vehicles, reserved seating, and accessible facilities.
ECoR also partnered with various NGOs to provide free hygienic food service and drinking water to pilgrims on the railway premises. The railway zone effectively combined technology with tradition to ensure a safer, smarter, and more convenient travel experience for all devotees attending the sacred Rath Yatra.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
37 minutes ago
- India.com
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 30+ Wishes, Messages, Quotes, And Images To Share With Your Loved Ones
The sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is more than just a religious celebration—it's a spiritual journey of devotion, faith, and divine connection. Celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Puri, Odisha, and across India, the yatra marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to their aunt's temple, the Gundicha Temple. Whether you're attending the yatra or celebrating from home, sharing heartfelt Jagannath Yatra wishes, messages, quotes, and images is a meaningful way to connect with loved ones and spread divine blessings. We've compiled 30+ warm wishes, messages, inspiring quotes, and image ideas that you can share with your family and friends:- Wishes to Share with Family and Friends 1. Wishing you divine blessings on this Jagannath Yatra. May Lord Jagannath protect and guide you always. 2. May the Rath Yatra bring happiness, prosperity, and success in your life. 3. Jai Jagannath! May Lord Jagannath remove all obstacles and bring you eternal peace. 4. On this sacred occasion, let's pray for love, unity, and harmony. 5. May your soul be blessed with the joy of spirituality and your home with divine light. Devotional Messages for Social Media 6. As the Lord rides the chariot, let your heart ride on devotion. 7. This Jagannath Yatra, may you witness the power of faith and the magic of miracles. 8. May your spiritual journey be as grand as the Rath Yatra itself. 9. Sending you chariot-loads of blessings and positivity! 10. Let's celebrate the spirit of unity and bhakti with Lord Jagannath's divine journey. Traditional and Emotional Messages 11. May Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra inspire you to walk the path of righteousness and compassion. 12. May the wheels of the chariot move all your troubles away. 13. Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe; may He bless the world with peace and harmony. 14. Jai Jagannath! May His blessings be the guiding light in all your endeavors. 15. Let's celebrate this divine journey with hearts full of faith and minds filled with gratitude. Inspiring Jagannath Rath Yatra Quotes 16. 'Jagannath means Lord of the Universe; may His grace reach every heart this Rath Yatra.' 17. 'As the divine chariot rolls, may your problems roll away too.' 18. 'A journey with the Lord is the most beautiful one you can take.' 19. 'Rath Yatra is not just a festival—it's a movement of faith.' 20. 'Devotion is the true chariot that takes us to the Lord.' Additional Devotional Messages for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 21. May Lord Jagannath's blessings be with you and your family today and always. 22. Feel the divine presence, walk with faith, and celebrate the spirit of Rath Yatra. 23. As the chariots roll forward, may your life move towards peace, success, and positivity. 24. May your heart be filled with devotion and your soul with divine light this Jagannath Yatra. 25. Let's bow our heads in gratitude and pray for a better tomorrow. 26. May this Rath Yatra wash away all sins and fill your life with righteousness. 27. Lord Jagannath teaches us the value of humility, compassion, and unity—let's carry it in our hearts always. 28. May the divine wheels of the Rath Yatra turn your life in a positive direction. 29. The Rath Yatra reminds us that the Lord is always with us—even on the toughest journeys. 30. May this sacred occasion bring you closer to your spiritual self. Emotional and Heart-Touching Messages 31. This Jagannath Yatra, may your tears of sorrow be replaced with tears of gratitude. 32. When you can't visit the temple, let devotion make your heart the temple. 33. May the divine chariot carry your prayers directly to the Lord's heart. 34. Sometimes the journey is hard, but faith will always pull you through—just like the Rath Yatra. 35. The hands that pull the rath are blessed—may we all serve with such humility and love. Jagannath Rath Yatra Images to Share How to Celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra at Home Watch the live telecast of the Rath Yatra from Puri. Decorate your home altar with images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Prepare simple prasad like khichdi, fruits, or sweets. Share devotional songs or bhajans with family. Send virtual wishes, quotes, and images to your loved ones. Jagannath Yatra 2025 is a time of spiritual elevation and divine blessings. Even if you're miles away from Puri, you can still be part of the celebration by sending beautiful wishes, inspiring quotes, and meaningful images to those you care about. Let this festival bring light, faith, and joy into everyone's life.
News18
39 minutes ago
- News18
Puri Gears Up For Rath Yatra; Over 10K Personnel, AI Cameras, NSG Snipers Deployed
Last Updated: Rath Yatra is one of the oldest Hindu festivals marked by the grand chariot procession of deities--Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra. Rath Yatra 2025: The holy town of Odisha's Puri has been placed under heavy security cover for the upcoming annual Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession) which is scheduled to commence on Friday, June 27, 2025. Rath Yatra is one of the oldest Hindu festivals marked by the grand chariot procession of deities–Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra– as they travel from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date and Timings The festival began on June 12 this year, with Snana Purnima, a ritual where the deities are bathed in a grand ceremony. After this, the idols go into a rest phase known as Anavasara, which lasts from June 13 to June 26. During this time, the deities are not seen by the public, as they are believed to be recovering from the sacred bath. As per Drik Panchang, the Dwitiya Tithi begins on June 26 this year at 1:24 PM and ends on June 27 at 11:19 AM. That's why the main Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand chariots, will take place on June 27. Security Intensified As spiritual fervour soars, the entire town of Puri has been placed under a multi-layered security cover to ensure a safe and smooth conduct of the massive festival, which draws lakhs of devotees from around the globe. To manage the massive footfall and maintain law and order during the Rath Yatra, nearly 10,000 police personnel will be deployed across the town. The Odisha Police said advanced arrangements, including surveillance through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras and drone monitoring, have been made to handle the expected crowd of nearly 15 lakh devotees. Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania said that an Integrated Command and Control Room has been established in Puri for the first time. 'Around 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed along the route between Uttara Chhak and Puri town and between Puri and Konark. The live visuals from these cameras will be monitored round the clock," he said. The security personnel, including those of central armed forces, participated in a rehearsal to prepare themselves to handle the lakhs of devotees who will arrive in the town from every nook and cranny of the country and abroad to get a glimpse of the trinity. Khurania said the AI powered surveillance system will keep watch on traffic movements, crowd surge and help security personnel make a prompt decision and face emergencies in case any happens. Sub-control rooms have also been set up at key locations, the DGP said. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday (June 22) conducted a review meeting on security-related preparations and asked officials to make the Rath Yatra completely incident-free. Sensitive locations, such as the Grand Road, will be under aerial surveillance by drones, CCTVs and the Coast Guard. The chief minister said that the government is putting in place foolproof security and safety mechanisms to ensure the annual festival remains 'incident-free". NSG Snipers To Watch The Procession From Rooftop For the first time, NSG (National Security Guard) snipers have also been deployed on the rooftops of buildings given the threat assessment, while anti-drone technology and police-operated drones will also be in use for aerial surveillance, the DGP said, adding that anti-sabotage teams, bomb squads, dog squads are also in place. Along with Odisha Police, eight companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed. For coastal vigilance, the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, and Indian Navy are working jointly to monitor the sea front. To ensure full proof security on sea front, arrangements have been made with deployment of Odisha's Marine Police, Coast Guard, and Indian Navy. Chatbot For Crowd Management A real-time chatbot application has also been launched to assist visitors with information on parking availability, route maps, and directions to vacant parking spaces, Khurania said. Expecting congregation of around 15 lakh people on the day one and two of the festival, DGP Khurania emphasised that priority will be given to proper service and security of the devotees. 'Extensive arrangements have been made for the orderly darshan of the devotees. Experienced police officers have been deployed for Rath Yatra duty," he said. The Additional Director General (ADG) of Police (Modernisation), Soumendra Priyadarshi, said appropriate arrangements have been made to control the crowd. ADG (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said that the cooperation of the officers/staff of the police administration is essential for the orderly completion of the Rath Yatra. Odisha Police Caution Tourists About Fake Hotel Websites Ahead of the festival on Friday, Odisha police also warned tourists of fraud related to online hotel bookings in Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The police also said it removed 11 such sites as hotel booking scams are on the rise in Odisha, especially in places like Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Fraudsters create fake websites and social media pages that look genuine, offering cheap rates, urgent deals, and guaranteed bookings, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said in a statement. The CID said the fake websites demand full payment and use fake customer care phone numbers and receipts to lure tourists. This is their modus operandi, it said. 'Many of these fake sites appear at the top of online search results, making them hard to identify and the victims often realise the scam only after reaching the destination," it said. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : jagannath puri Odisha Puri rath yatra Location : Puri, India, India First Published: June 26, 2025, 09:13 IST News india Puri Gears Up For Rath Yatra; Over 10K Personnel, AI Cameras, NSG Snipers Deployed
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath: Why millions throng Puri to witness the annual event
Over 10,000 police personnel have been directed to Puri to oversee security and traffic management for the annual Rath Yatra, or car festival, of Lord Jagannath, which will commence on Friday (June 27). Over 30 lakh Indians and thousands of foreigners are expected to attend the event. According to Hindu mythology, the Lord and his siblings – Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – embark on a nine-day annual sojourn to their birthplace. The idols are taken to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay till the 'Bahuda Yatra' (returning car festival), which falls on July 5 this year. The Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) every year to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings from their abode, the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt's home. Goddess Ardhasini, also known as Mausima, is believed to be the aunt of the deities. The deities board three huge decorated chariots following the ceremonial procession called the Pahandi ritual, before marching for around 3 km to the Gundicha Temple. Millions of devotees pull the chariots on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri town. Puri occupies a significant space in Hindu mythology as it is worshipped as one of the char dham or four abodes where Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped with his siblings. It is believed that witnessing the deities on their elaborately decorated chariots will cleanse people of their sins and grant them salvation. According to the Bamadeva Samhita, a religious text associated with the Puri temple, any pilgrim who witnesses the four deities on their simhasana (sacred seat) of Gundicha Temple for a week would be granted a place in Baikuntha, the heavenly abode, along with their ancestors for eternity. As non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Jagannath temple, the festival presents an opportunity for foreign devotees to visit Puri. It is believed that the Lord, believed to be the Lord of the Universe, steps out of his sanctum sanctorum during Rath Yatra to meet all his devotees. The three chariots The three chariots – Taladhwaja Rath for Lord Balabhadra, the Darpadalan Rath for Goddess Subhadra, and the Nandighosa Rath for Lord Jagannath – are distinct from each other, and made afresh every year from the woods of locally available trees. They have their own colours, heights, diameters, wooden horses, guardian deities and even charioteers. Nearly 200 carpenters, labourers, woodcarvers, artists, and painters work for around 12 hours a day from Akshaya Tritiya onwards, nearly two months before the much-awaited event, to shape the chariots. The workers view their work as 'hereditary service'. While they don't have any formal training in woodcarving or using modern machinery or equipment, they rely on what they have learnt from experienced family elders. Traditional methods and techniques are used to build the chariots. CHHERA PANHARA: Before the chariots are pulled on Rath Yatra, the scion of the erstwhile Puri royal family, the self-styled first servitor of the Lords, performs a special ritual called 'Chhera Panhara'. As part of this, he sweeps the floor of the chariots with a golden broom, symbolising that all devotees are equal before the Lord, irrespective of their social status. It is said to stress the dignity of labour and emphasises humility. Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, who ascended the throne in 1970 at the age of only 17, has been performing the Chhera Panhara ritual since 1971. BAHUDA YATRA: The return festival or Bahuda Yatra is organised on Ashadha Shukla Dasami (10th day). On their way back to the 12th-century shrine, the deities are offered a special cake called 'Poda Pitha', made of rice, coconut, lentils and jaggery at the Mausimaa Temple (their aunt's temple). SUNA BESHA: A day after the Bahuda Yatra, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments, including crowns, and hands and legs made of gold on the chariots in front of the Lion's Gate, which is called Suna Besha (golden attire). NILADRI BIJE: The home-coming of the deities, also called 'Niladri Bije', is celebrated on the 12th day of the Ashadha month, which also marks the end of the Rath Yatra festival. The sibling deities are taken to the sanctum sanctorum again in pahandi (ceremonial ritual). RASAGOLA DIVAS: Devotees offer Rasagola (a sweet dish made of cheese) to Goddess Laxmi on behalf of Lord Jagannath to appease her, as she gets angry for not being taken on the Raths to the Gundicha Temple. For the past few years, people in Odisha have also celebrated the day of Niladri Bije as the Rasagola Divas.
