Bhubaneswar, Apr 26: The Odisha government stepped up early preparations for the annual Rath Yatra, scheduled to be held in July, directing all departments to complete arrangements well in advance.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Saturday reviewed the progress of ongoing works at a high-level meeting, focusing on preparedness, infrastructure, and crowd management strategies.

A key concern flagged during the meeting was ensuring smooth and disciplined pulling of the chariots. Officials noted that excessive entry of pass holders into cordoned areas disrupts the procession. To address this, it has been proposed to significantly reduce the number of cordon passes this year.

Providing an update, Arabinda Padhee said chariot construction began on April 20 on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. A technical committee has been formed for regular monitoring. Of the required 865 timber pieces, 576 have already been procured.

Authorities have also stressed on maintaining the strength and quality of chariot ropes.

Infrastructure, Lighting & Sanitation Push
Major infrastructure works by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC)—including the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, redevelopment of Acharya Harihar Square, and multi-level parking facilities—are nearing completion.

Restoration work at the Gundicha Temple is progressing and expected to be completed before the festival, officials said.

To improve illumination, 50 high-mast lights will be installed along the Grand Road. Sanitation measures include six bio-toilet blocks (18 units) along the Puri sea beach and around 1,600 temporary toilets across key locations.

Rain Preparedness & Traffic Management
Keeping in view possible heavy rainfall, a drainage plan has been prepared with 23 locations identified for installing high-capacity pump sets. Encroachment removal along the Grand Road is also underway and is expected to be completed by May.

The Puri Municipality has identified 21 parking locations, while the Health Department will set up eight temporary 10-bed hospitals to handle emergencies.

The Puri-Konark Road overbridge at Matiapada is nearing completion and is expected to ease traffic flow during the festival.

Also Read: Chariot Construction for Puri Rath Yatra Begins After Akshaya Tritiya Ritual

Crowd Control & Food Distribution Measures
Detailed discussions were held on crowd management, including traffic regulation, CCTV surveillance, police deployment, and emergency response systems.

Officials also noted that unregulated distribution of free food along the Grand Road creates inconvenience and unhygienic conditions. To address this, designated locations have been identified for organised food distribution near the route.