Thousands of devotees are expected in Puri to mark the New Year with darshan at Srimandir, prompting authorities to finalise an extensive security and crowd-management plan. Officials say arrangements aim to ensure orderly movement, safe darshan and smooth traffic flow as pilgrims converge on the coastal town.
Puri New Year security measures
The temple schedule will shape the early hours. Pahuda of Lord Jagannath is slated for 11pm on Wednesday night, followed by the Dwaraphita ritual from 2am. Darshan for devotees will begin once the ritual concludes, and officials anticipate continuous crowds from the dawn of the New Year.
To maintain discipline and prevent bottlenecks, entry for devotees has been permitted only through the Singhadwara gate. Exits will operate via the remaining three gates. Barricading has been extended up to Market Chhak to regulate crowd flow and channel movement towards designated parking areas.
Security forces have been significantly reinforced. More than 70 platoons of security personnel are deployed across Puri to oversee crowd control and traffic management. The city will be under comprehensive CCTV surveillance, with 152 cameras inside the Srimandir complex and 192 cameras monitoring the surrounding areas, officials confirmed.
Traffic and parking management form a major part of the plan. Authorities have instituted strict checks at all entry points with a special focus on parking discipline. Travellers from Brahmagiri are advised to head towards Sterling Chhak via Mangalaghat Chhak and Omkareswar Temple, and to use Jatrika Parking near the sea beach. Government transport and autorickshaws will shuttle pilgrims from parking points close to the temple.
Those arriving from Konark may park at Talabania, Helipad and ITI parkings after reaching Grid Station Chhak via Bhudan Chhak, where private and government buses will be stationed. Travellers from the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar corridor are asked to use the Batagaon New Bypass. Additional parking has been arranged at Medical Chhak Parking, Jagannath Ballav Parking and Old Jagannath Ballav Parking.
Two-wheelers are permitted to follow the same routing as four-wheelers, with primary two-wheeler parking located at Old Jagannath Ballav Parking. Supplementary parking facilities have been readied at Medical Chhak and Municipality Parking to handle the expected surge.
Beach safety has also been prioritised. Special vigilance is in place along the Puri shoreline, with a large number of lifeguards deployed. In addition, 300 home guard lifeguards will be engaged to manage safe sea bathing during the New Year period. Officials have urged visitors to heed lifeguard instructions and avoid entering deep waters.
Police and municipal teams will coordinate in real time from control rooms equipped with live feeds from the CCTV network. Authorities have asked pilgrims to cooperate with stewards and security personnel, follow designated routes, and arrive early to avoid last-minute congestion. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their journeys around the official parking and shuttle points to ensure a safe and orderly start to the year.
Key Takeaways:
- Authorities in Puri have ramped up Puri New Year security with routed entry, extensive CCTV coverage and more than 70 platoons of personnel.
- Timed rituals mean continuous pilgrim movement from late night, prompting gated entry via Singhadwara and staggered exits through other gates.
- Traffic and parking plans include designated parking zones, shuttle services and specific routes from Brahmagiri, Konark and Cuttack–Bhubaneswar.
- Beach safety has been bolstered with lifeguards and 300 home guard lifeguards to ensure safe sea bathing during the New Year period.
