With lakhs of devotees expected to converge on Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, security agencies on Tuesday conducted a large-scale mock drill at Puri Railway Station to test emergency preparedness and strengthen the response mechanism against potential terror threats. The exercise forms part of an extensive security plan aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims, tourists and railway passengers during one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
Mock Drill Simulates Terror Attack Scenario
The mock exercise recreated a simulated terrorist attack at Puri Railway Station, one of the busiest transit hubs during the Rath Yatra. The objective was to assess the readiness of security forces, evaluate inter-agency coordination, and ensure a swift and effective response in the event of any security emergency.
The drill involved coordinated search operations, rescue missions, evacuation procedures, medical assistance and crowd management exercises. Officials also assessed the response time of different agencies and their ability to work together during a crisis.
Multiple Agencies Participate
Several specialised security and emergency response agencies participated in the exercise, including:
- Special Tactical Unit (STU)
- Puri Police
- Government Railway Police (GRP)
- Railway Protection Force (RPF)
- Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)
- Fire Services
- Medical response teams
- Canine (dog) squad
The coordinated simulation helped test communication systems, emergency protocols and operational efficiency under high-pressure conditions.
Security Tightened Ahead of Rath Yatra
Every year, the world-famous Rath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, resulting in a massive rush at Puri Railway Station. With passenger numbers expected to surge during the festival, authorities have significantly strengthened security arrangements to ensure smooth crowd movement and prevent any untoward incidents.
Speaking on the preparations, Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said the safety of devotees remains the administration’s highest priority.
He said specialised teams, including the National Security Guard (NSG) personnel and the Special Tactical Unit (STU), have been deployed to respond swiftly to any security threat. While the district police will act as first responders across Puri, the GRP and RPF will oversee security and coordination within the railway station premises.
The SP added that the exercise was aimed at evaluating how efficiently various agencies coordinate with one another, how quickly they respond on the ground, and identifying operational gaps that can be addressed before the festival begins.
Preparedness Beyond the Railway Station
Officials said similar mock drills are also being conducted at hotels, public accommodation facilities and along the Bada Danda (Grand Road), where the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra will be pulled during the Rath Yatra.
These exercises are designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities, improve evacuation procedures, enhance medical preparedness and ensure effective crowd management across all major locations associated with the festival.
The administration believes that regular coordination meetings, combined with practical simulation exercises, will help ensure a safe and incident-free Rath Yatra for millions of devotees visiting the holy city.
As preparations enter the final phase, authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining high security standards and ensuring that pilgrims can participate in the festival with confidence and without inconvenience.
