With the New Year fast approaching and a sharp rise in the number of devotees and tourists already being witnessed, the Puri Police have rolled out extensive security and crowd management measures to ensure a safe and orderly celebration on December 31 and January 1. The pilgrim town, which is expected to see a massive influx of visitors, has been placed under heightened surveillance as authorities prepare for peak footfall at key locations.
According to official sources, over 60 platoons of police personnel have been deployed across Puri, with special focus on sensitive and high-footfall areas such as the Shree Jagannath Temple, the sea beach, railway station, bus stand and major arterial roads. The objective is to regulate crowd movement, maintain law and order, and provide timely assistance to devotees and tourists during the festive rush.
Traffic management has also been prioritized to prevent congestion in and around the town. A detailed traffic advisory has been issued, outlining designated parking zones, diversion routes, and entry and exit points for vehicles. Police personnel and traffic volunteers have been stationed at major intersections to guide vehicles and ensure smooth flow, especially during peak hours.
To strengthen preparedness, police officers and personnel have undergone special briefings and training sessions focusing on crowd control techniques, formation of human chains, and emergency response protocols. Teams have been instructed to remain alert, assist visitors, and swiftly respond to any untoward situation. Coordination has also been established with disaster response teams, health services, and municipal authorities to handle emergencies efficiently.
The enhanced security arrangements come amid long queues of devotees at the Shree Jagannath Temple, with authorities expecting the footfall to surge further over the next two days. Police have urged visitors to cooperate with security personnel, follow traffic advisories, avoid overcrowding, and maintain discipline to ensure a peaceful and safe New Year celebration in the holy town of Puri.
