Bhubaneswar: The world famous Puri Rath Jatra 2026 is scheduled to take place this July, and preparatory efforts are already in full swing.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high level review meeting at Loka Seva Bhawan on April 25, 2026, to ensure all arrangements are completed well ahead of the festival. During the session, officials discussed progress on chariot construction, infrastructure development, and crowd management strategies to ensure a disciplined and smooth event.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary Revenue and Chief Administrator SJTA, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home, Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary Law, Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, ADGP Shri S K Priyadarshi, Puri Collector Shri Dibyajyoti Parida and SP Shri Prateek Singh and others.
Chariot construction began on April 20, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, reported that 576 out of the 865 required timber logs have already been collected. A technical committee is overseeing the construction process, and the Chief Secretary has emphasized ensuring the durability of the ropes used to pull the chariots.
To improve the flow of the procession, the government plans to significantly reduce the number of cordon passes issued, as overcrowding within the chariot cordons has caused delays in previous years. Additionally, the distribution of free cooked food, which often leads to congestion and littering on Bada Danda, will now be restricted to specific designated areas near the main road.
Major infrastructure projects in Puri are nearing completion to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims. These include the Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, multi level parking at Digabareni, and the redevelopment of Acharya Harihar Chhak. The renovation of the Shree Gundicha Temple is also expected to be finished before the festival begins. For improved commuter experience, the Matiapada overbridge on the Puri Konark road is in its final stages and will be operational soon to ease traffic pressure.
Public amenities and safety measures are being heavily prioritized. The administration plans to install 50 high mast lights along Bada Danda and set up approximately 1,600 temporary toilets throughout the city. To handle potential heavy rainfall, 23 locations have been identified for high capacity water pumps to ensure swift drainage. On the medical front, eight temporary 10 bed hospitals will be established at various points to provide emergency care and reduce the load on the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Furthermore, the Railways department will open eight additional ticket counters to assist travelers.