Advanced AI, Drones to Enhance Rath Yatra Traffic Management

Puri: As Rath Yatra preparations enter their final stage, Odisha Police is set to deploy cutting-edge technology for crowd and traffic control. Traffic ADG Dayal Gangwar announced that artificial intelligence-powered CCTV cameras will be used to manage the influx of pilgrims and vehicles during the festival.

The new system integrates AI with CCTV for enhanced traffic monitoring, while drone surveillance will provide real-time crowd information to the control room. Pilgrims can access traffic updates and assistance through a dedicated WhatsApp group.

For the first time, a vehicle counting system will track buses, cars, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws entering the area. Special traffic arrangements will be in place on major routes including Puri-Brahmgiri, Puri-Bhubaneswar, and Puri-Konark.

The police have also identified traffic “black spots” where drone assistance will be crucial.

To manage the expected surge of visitors, authorities are deploying 50 platoons and 450 officers for traffic control. A three-lane traffic system will be implemented at Maltipatpur on the Puri-Bhubaneswar National Highway, with dedicated parking spaces allocated for various vehicle types.

The traffic management plan will remain in effect from the start of Rath Yatra through Sunabesha. In preparation, the police conducted a mock drill to simulate crowd control and chariot pulling procedures, training officers in maintaining cordons and managing the festival’s unique challenges.