Bhubaneswar, May 31: With preparations for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 gathering momentum, Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police (Central Range), Cuttack, conducted an extensive review of security arrangements and crowd management plans in Puri on Saturday to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for lakhs of devotees expected to visit the holy town.

During his visit, Dr. Naik inspected the historic Gundicha Temple, one of the key venues associated with the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.

He closely examined the security blueprints, deployment strategies, surveillance mechanisms, and crowd-control measures being put in place to handle the massive influx of pilgrims during the festival. Officials briefed him on various preparedness measures, including traffic regulation, emergency response systems, public safety protocols, and coordination among different law enforcement agencies.

Emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning, the senior police officer directed officials to ensure that security arrangements remain robust while facilitating smooth movement of devotees throughout the festival period. Special attention was given to crowd management in sensitive areas around the temple and along the Rath Yatra route to prevent congestion and ensure public safety.

As part of his visit, Dr. Naik, accompanied by Puri Superintendent of Police Pratik Singh, also inspected the newly constructed Talabania Police Station. The officers reviewed the infrastructure and operational readiness of the facility ahead of its formal inauguration. The new police station is expected to strengthen policing capabilities in the pilgrimage town and enhance the delivery of public services, particularly during large-scale religious gatherings such as Rath Yatra.

The inspection focused on developing a people-centric policing framework, modern security infrastructure, and improved accessibility for citizens. Officials discussed ways to leverage the new facility to provide faster response times, better coordination among departments, and enhanced security coverage across the town.

Meanwhile, Puri continues to witness a steady stream of devotees arriving from different parts of the country despite the prevailing summer heat. Thousands of pilgrims have been visiting the sacred town daily to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Demonstrating a humanitarian approach alongside security responsibilities, Dr. Naik personally interacted with devotees and distributed chilled drinking water and refreshing dahi sarbat (buttermilk) at key locations. The initiative was aimed at helping pilgrims cope with the soaring temperatures and preventing heat-related health issues.

The gesture was widely appreciated by devotees, many of whom had been standing in long queues under the scorching sun. Officials stated that similar welfare measures would continue in the coming weeks as the number of pilgrims is expected to rise significantly ahead of the grand annual festival.

With security preparations being intensified and infrastructure strengthened, authorities are working to ensure that Rath Yatra 2026 is conducted smoothly, securely, and without disruption.