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Odisha govt reduces cordon passes for Rath Yatra and outlines crowd management and infrastructure measures
The Odisha government decided to issue fewer cordon passes for the Rath Yatra to prevent crowding near the chariots, a decision taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg on April 25, 2026. The meeting also covered crowd management on Grand Road, food distribution restrictions, traffic and surveillance plans, rail counter additions, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Puri.
Why It Matters
The measures are aimed at reducing crowding and enhancing safety during Rath Yatra, while accelerating infrastructure and public service preparations for the event.
Timeline
10 Events
Emergency health facilities planned for Rath Yatra
April 26, 2026
Eight temporary 10-bed hospitals will be established at various points to provide emergency care and reduce the load on the Puri district hospital.
Public amenities and drainage readiness
April 26, 2026
The administration plans to install around 1,600 temporary toilets throughout the city, and identify 23 locations for high-capacity water pumps to ensure swift drainage during heavy rainfall.
Temple renovation and traffic infrastructure progress
April 26, 2026
Renovation of the Shree Gundicha Temple is expected to be finished before the festival begins, and the Matiapada overbridge on the Puri-Konark Road is in final stages and poised to improve commuter flow.
Major infrastructure projects nearing completion in Puri
April 26, 2026
Officials said major infrastructure projects in Puri nearing completion to accommodate pilgrims, including Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, multi-level parking at Digabareni, and redevelopment of Acharya Harihar Chhak.
Rope durability emphasized for chariot pulling
April 26, 2026
Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasized ensuring the durability of the ropes used to pull the chariots.
Chariot construction progress and Akshaya Tritiya reference
April 26, 2026
Chariot construction reached the sixth day on Sunday (April 26, 2026). Work began on Akshaya Tritiya on April 20. A technical committee is overseeing the construction process.
Railways to add eight ticket counters
April 25, 2026
For passenger convenience, Indian Railways will set up eight additional ticket counters, as stated in the meeting.
Traffic, surveillance and logistics planning
April 25, 2026
Discussions covered traffic management, setting up CCTV cameras, emergency surveillance arrangements, road repair in and around Puri city, control room management, police deployment and parking arrangements.
Crowd management and food distribution on Grand Road
April 25, 2026
The meeting focused on crowd management on the Grand Road and smooth 'Pahandi' rituals, and discussed restricting distribution of free cooked food by religious and charitable organisations on Grand Road, with a plan to provide a specific place for such free-food distribution.
Cordons passes reduced: Odisha govt to issue fewer passes for Rath Yatra
April 25, 2026
A high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg on April 25, 2026 decided to issue fewer 'cordon passes' this Rath Yatra to prevent overcrowding near the chariots. The passes are issued to people engaged in rituals or security, and the move comes in the backdrop of three deaths during last year's Rath Yatra in Puri.