Puri, Jul 24: Additional Director General of Police and Rath Yatra Overall In-charge Soumendra Priyadarshi on Friday said that Suna Besha, the grand golden attire ritual of Lord Jagannath, poses a greater challenge for the police than the Bahuda Yatra due to the massive influx of devotees expected in Puri.

Addressing a press conference, Priyadarshi said that more than one million devotees usually visit Puri to witness the spectacular Suna Besha ritual. In view of the unprecedented crowd witnessed during the Bahuda Yatra, the police have made elaborate traffic and crowd management arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.

"The biggest challenge is Suna Besha. More than one million people come to witness the ritual, making traffic management the biggest concern for the police," he said. He added that a large number of devotees are expected to arrive in Puri from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Berhampur during the evening hours.

To streamline vehicular movement, the police have earmarked three dedicated parking zones for buses. Parking arrangements have also been made for around 8,500 four-wheelers and 30,000 two-wheelers. Authorities are using SMS alerts, LED display boards, FM radio, social media platforms and mainstream media to disseminate traffic advisories and important public information.

Priyadarshi appealed to devotees to strictly follow police guidelines and stated that real-time traffic updates would be displayed on LED screens installed at key locations, including Uttar Chhak and Lingipur, to help pilgrims navigate the city with ease.

He further informed that if heavy rain disrupts parking arrangements, vehicles may be allowed to park along designated roadside stretches. To effectively regulate traffic during the Suna Besha celebrations, 20 platoons of traffic police will be deployed across Puri city.