Puri Rath Yatra 2025: AI-powered drones to oversee crowd and traffic

In a groundbreaking move, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be integrated into the management of the world-renowned Puri Rath Yatra this year.

According to sources, state-of-the-art drones equipped with AI capabilities will be deployed to monitor crowds and regulate traffic during the grand religious festival, aiming to ensure smooth and safe proceedings.

Second Review Meeting 

As preparations for the annual Rath Yatra gather pace, a high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the District Collector to assess the progress. The meeting focused on various key aspects of the event, including the upcoming Akshaya Tritiya celebrations on April 30, which marks the beginning of the chariot construction.

Officials from all concerned departments were instructed to complete their respective tasks by the end of May. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including ritual schedules at the Jagannath Temple, chariot construction, healthcare and sanitation services, road and infrastructure development, drinking water supply, transportation, and railway services.

Chhatisa Nijoga Meeting on April 19

The progress of the action plan adopted during the previous preparatory meeting was also thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, a key coordination meeting of Chhatisa Nijoga has been scheduled for April 19, during which the final schedule for Akshaya Tritiya will be finalised.

“We are hopeful that all necessary works including drain cleaning and road repair work will end by May,” assured Puri Collector, Siddharth Shankar Swain.