Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Odisha Police Issues Special Traffic Advisory
Odisha Police has issued a special traffic advisory for Puri Rath Yatra 2026 with No Vehicle Zones, 30 parking locations, AI surveillance, drone monitoring, toll waiver and real-time traffic updates for devotees.
Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Odisha Police Issues Special Traffic Advisory
CNB WORLD TIMES
Puri, Odisha, 15th July: Odisha Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the world-famous Rath Yatra 2026 to ensure the safety of millions of devotees and smooth movement of traffic during the festival. Several parts of Puri city will remain No Vehicle Zones, except for designated shuttle and emergency services.
No Vehicle Zones
· The entire Grand Road (Bada Danda) and all major roads leading to the Shree Jagannath Temple will remain completely closed to private vehicles during the Rath Yatra.
· No Vehicle Zones include:
o Medical Chhak to Shree Jagannath Temple
o Jhadeswari Chhak to Hospital Chhak
o Brushava Chhak (Lokanath Temple) to Jagannath Temple
o Solakhia Bargach to Jagannath Temple
o Mochi Sahi Chhak to Jagannath Temple
o Yatrika Parking to Digbareni Chhak
· Only emergency and authorised shuttle vehicles will be allowed in these restricted areas.
Parking Facilities
Odisha Police has created 30 designated parking zones across Puri for the convenience of pilgrims.
· 22 parking locations have been reserved for four-wheelers.
· Four parking locations have been designated for two-wheelers:
o Mati Tota-1
o Mati Tota-2
o Old Jagannath Ballabh
o Blue Flag–Nilachal Ashok
· Four bus parking locations have been arranged at:
o Malatipatpur
o Talabania
o Swami Narayan Temple
o Samanga
· Separate parking facilities have also been provided for pass holders at JBPC, Yatrika, Nali Padia and Lokanath Temple, while 18 additional parking locations are available for vehicles without passes.
Advanced Traffic Management
Additional Director General of Police Soumendra Priyadarshi said that advanced technology has been deployed to manage traffic during the festival.
· AI-enabled cameras will monitor and count vehicles entering Puri.
· A total of 1,645 traffic signages have been installed across major routes.
· LED display boards on National Highways will provide live traffic information.
· A Bulk SMS alert service has been introduced to send real-time updates on congestion, diversions and traffic conditions.
· Devotees are encouraged to register for the SMS service before travelling.
Surveillance and Assistance
Traffic arrangements will be monitored using 244 CCTV cameras and three drones to ensure smooth traffic flow and crowd management.
Odisha Police has also established:
· 73 Traffic Assistance Centres across Puri district.
· Two Model Traffic Aid Posts at Talabania and Malatipatpur bus stands to assist senior citizens, differently-abled persons and other pilgrims.
Toll-Free Travel
To facilitate hassle-free travel during the festival, the Odisha Government has announced a toll fee waiver on the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway on Rath Yatra festival days.
Advisory for Devotees
Odisha Police has appealed to all devotees to follow the official traffic advisory, use designated parking areas, avoid restricted routes, stay updated through LED displays and SMS alerts, and cooperate with traffic personnel for a safe and comfortable pilgrimage. In case of emergencies, pilgrims may contact the Traffic Control Centre or dial 112 for immediate assistance.
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