The Odisha Police's innovative use of drone technology and artificial intelligence for security during the Rath Yatra 2025 has drawn high praise from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This year's festival, which commenced on June 27, 2025, in Puri, witnessed an unprecedented level of technological integration to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the grand event.
Pradhan, along with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Puri to assess the security and surveillance measures in place for the Rath Yatra. Accompanied by Odisha's Higher Education and Culture Minister, Surjyabanshi Suraj, and Puri MP Sambit Patra, the Union Ministers lauded the Odisha Police for its technology-driven approach, particularly its collaboration with IG Drones, an Odisha-based defense tech startup.
For the first time in the history of the Rath Yatra, advanced drone surveillance technology has been extensively deployed across key areas of Puri. These drones provide real-time aerial monitoring of crowd movements, traffic flow, and potential emergencies. Complementing the drone surveillance are strategically positioned anti-drone systems designed to detect and neutralize any unauthorized aerial threats, ensuring a secure airspace throughout the festival.
In addition to drones, the Odisha Police have installed 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras, a real-time WhatsApp chatbot for public assistance, and the ICCC for centralized coordination and data-driven decision-making. The AI-enabled cameras are strategically placed along the procession route, including areas between Uttara Chhak and Puri, and between Puri and Konark, providing comprehensive coverage of the entire path. The ICCC allows authorities to monitor live visuals from all AI-enabled CCTV cameras around the clock, significantly enhancing crowd management and security surveillance capabilities. The WhatsApp chatbot offers real-time updates on parking availability, route information, and directional guidance to visitors.
Dharmendra Pradhan commended the Odisha Police for embracing technology to safeguard tradition, stating, "This is a shining example of how technology can be used to safeguard tradition. The synergy of AI, drone surveillance, and real-time command capabilities is commendable." He highlighted that the use of drones and other technologies is highly useful and commendable for maintaining order and controlling crowds during the Rath Yatra.
IG Drones, the Odisha-based startup that partnered with the Odisha Police, has played a crucial role in deploying these advanced security solutions. Bodhisattva Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, expressed his pride in contributing to the safety of the Rath Yatra, emphasizing the dual-use potential of drone technology in both defense and civil sectors. The company has also been involved in critical defense operations, showcasing its expertise in aerial surveillance and counter-drone systems.
The security arrangements for Rath Yatra 2025 also include the deployment of approximately 10,000 security personnel across various specialized units, including NSG snipers, bomb disposal squads, canine units, and anti-sabotage teams. Maritime agencies, including the Odisha Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, and Indian Navy, have been coordinated with to secure the seafront.
The integration of technology with traditional security measures underscores the commitment of the Odisha Police to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the lakhs of devotees participating in the Rath Yatra. By leveraging drones, AI-powered CCTV cameras, and real-time communication channels, authorities can effectively manage crowds, monitor potential threats, and respond promptly to any emergencies, ensuring that the Rath Yatra remains a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience for all.
