Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is gearing up for a comprehensive revision of the Rath Code, which was last updated around 42 years ago, with an aim to ensure a flawless and safe car festival in Puri this year.
The aim is to ensure a ‘zero-error,’ safe, and seamless Rath Yatra for the 2026 festival, following a tragic stampede in 2025 that claimed three lives.
Sources said Chief Secretary Anu Garg recently instructed departments to move away from rigid, outdated formulas and adopt a dynamic, and advanced planning approach to manage the massive crowds during the annual festival
Learning from operational lapses and incidents in the past two years, officials have now initiated a comprehensive review of the existing framework. Sources said the Rath Code-1983 is now set to be revised. The new code will introduce modern crowd management strategies, use of artificial intelligence (AI), and stricter discipline among servitors.
A blueprint has already been prepared under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, outlining reforms across multiple departments.
Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida confirmed that the government has begun extensive deliberations to update the outdated system. “A far-reaching roadmap has been prepared to ensure better coordination among departments, improve pahandi rituals, streamline chariot pulling, and strengthen crowd control,” he said.
The decision comes after last year’s mishaps during pahandi and earlier stampede-like situations, which triggered dissatisfaction among servitors. The revised code will not only focus on management but also propose strict action against negligent officials and servitors. Attendance of only authorized servitors during pahandi and rituals will be made mandatory.
This time, the government is determined to enforce accountability and discipline. The new Rath Code is expected to bring structural reforms, ensuring smoother coordination and minimizing risks during the grand procession.
As the annual Rath Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across the world, the modified code is seen as a crucial step toward safeguarding tradition while tackling modern challenges.
