Puri Rath Yatra Gets a Three‑Tier Anti‑Drone Shield: Inside the New Security Plan

When the chariots start rolling in Puri next week, the crowd will see more than just devotees and brightly painted horses. Behind the scenes, a three‑tier anti‑drone architecture is being put in place, a move that the state’s top police officer, DGP Sanjay Khurania, said is meant to "leave no stone unturned" in protecting the Rath Yatra.

First, a ground‑level net of security personnel and barricades will cordon off the main procession route. This is the traditional layer that the police have always relied on – boots on the ground, metal detectors, and a constant presence of officers to manage crowds.

Next up is the aerial umbrella. The Odisha police, in coordination with the Indian Navy and the Border Security Force, have deployed a fleet of surveillance drones that will hover over the festival grounds. These UAVs are not just for show; they are equipped with high‑resolution cameras and thermal imaging, allowing officials to spot any suspicious activity from the sky.

The topmost tier is where the high‑tech anti‑drone gear comes into play. Radar units, electronic jammers and radio‑frequency scanners have been installed at strategic points along the route. Their job is simple yet critical: detect any unauthorized drone the moment it enters the airspace and, if needed, neutralise it before it can cause trouble.

"We have integrated radar, RF detection and jamming into a single command centre," Khurania explained during a press briefing. "If a drone tries to breach the perimeter, our system will automatically lock onto it and either jam its signal or, as a last resort, bring it down safely."

In addition to the tech, the police have also increased manpower. More than 10,000 officers, along with paramilitary troops, will be deployed across the city, ensuring that every stretch of the Yatra route is under vigilant watch.

Critics sometimes ask whether such extensive measures might create a stifling atmosphere for the pilgrims. Khurania reassured the public, saying the security net is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. "We want devotees to focus on the spiritual experience, not on the security scaffolding," he said.

The layered approach reflects a broader shift in Indian event security – one that recognises the growing threat posed by commercial drones and aims to stay a step ahead. By weaving together traditional policing, modern aerial surveillance, and cutting‑edge anti‑drone tech, the authorities hope the Puri Rath Yatra can proceed smoothly, safely, and with the reverence it deserves.