As the 148th annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath draws near, scheduled for June 27, Ahmedabad Police and civic authorities have undertaken extensive preparations to manage the massive turnout and maintain order along the historic 14-kilometre route.
This year&rsquo;s arrangements include not only route-level infrastructural adjustments but also the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance systems aimed at monitoring crowd movement in real-time. The procession, originating from the centuries-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur, passes through densely packed localities such as Kalupur, Saraspur, and Shahpur, making effective crowd control essential.
Concerns over the under-construction flyover near Kalupur railway station prompted recent consultations between police, civic officials, and temple trustees regarding possible deviations to the traditional procession path. However, the plan to modify the route was eventually shelved due to operational challenges, and authorities resolved to retain the original alignment.
In light of the construction work, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will temporarily remove road medians and railings, transplant two trees, and lay fresh bituminous patches to facilitate unhindered movement of the chariots. Still, due to reduced road width and anticipated crowds, congestion is expected near Kalupur.
To ease pressure on that segment, officials have decided that all government convoys and escort vehicles linked to the yatra will follow alternate roads.&nbsp;
A senior traffic officer told a media outlet, &ldquo;The decision has been taken to ensure that the rathyatra proceeds unhindered along its traditional route. Government vehicles will take a different path, while the Rath and devotees will continue on the historical alignment.&rdquo;
Following a site inspection on May 18, the Ahmedabad Police confirmed: &ldquo;As construction of a new flyover near Kalupur railway station is underway, the Rath will proceed from Panch Kuva Darwaja towards Kalupur on Reid Road, shift to the opposite side of the station (Kalupur to Sarangpur road), and rejoin the route near Moti Mahal Restaurant at Railway Work Pier No 24.&rdquo;
To make this diversion functional for a single day, duties have been distributed among agencies. The AMC is tasked with clearing obstacles, resurfacing the roads, and relocating trees. The city police will formally notify the public of temporary route changes, open new traffic diversions, and deploy officers across the 200-metre re-routed segment and the wider route.&nbsp;
Infrastructure contractor DRAIPL will clear construction zones and ensure the pathway is ready for chariot movement, supported by on-site personnel.
AI-Powered Safety Systems and Crowd Surveillance in Place
Advanced surveillance techniques, including AI and drone-based monitoring, are also being introduced as part of the safety measures. The initiative comes in the wake of tragic stampedes at recent large gatherings, including one during an IPL celebration in Bengaluru and another at the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh.
As part of this technological upgrade, the yet-unnamed AI system will be embedded into CCTV networks and drone feeds to detect overcrowding and issue warnings when thresholds are exceeded. The city Crime Branch said, &ldquo;Anti-stampede algorithms on CCTV cameras are a crucial advancement in crowd management, leveraging AI and image processing to prevent dangerous situations in densely populated areas.&rdquo;
ACP Bharat Patel from the Crime Branch added, &ldquo;Last year, we had used a lot of technology to monitor and handle the Rath Yatra&hellip; This time, we are planning to use an AI-based stampede avoidance system especially at the most congested spots along the route of the yatra.&rdquo;
The AI setup will utilise thermal imaging and pixel-counting to assess occupied versus available space and provide real-time updates to the police control room and field units. While the crowd density limit per square metre is still under consideration, it will differ across areas based on available exits.
The AI will also predict risks related to incoming waves of people by calculating movement trends during the mobile procession. Field officers can then be instructed to shift with the crowd or clear space, depending on the readings.
Critical congestion points identified include the Jagannath Temple, the narrow lanes at Dhal Ni Pol, areas surrounding Chakleshwar Mahadev temple, the Saraspur halt, and the Shahpur stretch during the return leg.
Further, authorities have marked old or dilapidated structures along the route and placed safety boards. IT students will assist in managing software systems, and drone and CCTV visuals will be streamed to the main command centre and two auxiliary control rooms operated by the Crime Branch.
ACP Patel confirmed that arrangements are being tested in real-time, including how systems will respond if, for example, 500 people are expected in an area but 1,500 arrive. &ldquo;If needed, the location will be cordoned off. Cameras will switch to black-and-white mode in high-density zones for better detection. Features of the software will be trialled thoroughly before the event,&rdquo; he said.
Meanwhile, a mock drill was conducted by the fire department on the banks of the Sabarmati River to prepare for the water procession of Lord Jagannath, which precedes the main yatra. The drill simulated rescue operations for possible incidents such as drowning and rapid evacuation to hospitals. This annual ritual attracts large crowds, including saints, political leaders, and devotees, and will use holy water from the Sabarmati.
Additionally, on Monday night, the Ahmedabad Police carried out a &lsquo;Bullet March&rsquo; starting at 10:30 pm to survey sensitive locations along the yatra route. Flagged off by the Mahant of Jagannath Temple, the drill involved around 100 police personnel riding Bullet motorcycles across key points such as Jamalpur, Khadia, Kalupur, Saraspur, Delhi Chakla, and Manek Chowk.&nbsp;
Senior officers present stated the exercise served both to build public confidence and to familiarise forces with potential hotspots.
The Rath Yatra remains one of Gujarat&rsquo;s most significant religious events, celebrated annually on Ashadhi Bij and tracing its roots back to the 19th century. The grand procession sees elaborately decorated chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra pulled by thousands of devotees, accompanied by traditional performers and community groups along its route.
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AI systems, diversions, and drills deployed to ensure safe passage for lakhs in Rath Yatra.

Ahmedabad Prepares for Rath Yatra with Enhanced Measures

AI systems, diversions, and drills deployed to ensure safe passage for lakhs in Rath Yatra.

June 11, 2025 | 18:51 IST