Gujarat Police and Railways Prepare for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Police conducted foot patrolling in Ahmedabad today to review security arrangements for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, scheduled for July 7. The patrolling aimed to ensure a smooth event.

Police Preparations

Ahmedabad Joint Commissioner of Police Neeraj Kumar Badgujar stated, “We foot patrolled more than 200 police officers today for the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The operation included police constables and the State Reserve Police (SRP).”

The patrolling involved checking on history sheeters, gamblers, and rape-accused criminals. Hotels, lodges, restaurants, and low-lit areas were also inspected to ensure safety protocols were in place.

Railway Arrangements

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced special arrangements for devotees attending the Rath Yatra. He stated that 315 trains have been made available for the occasion, covering various states including West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

“We are constituting a holding area for 15,000 people, along with the construction of a toilet complex and temporary ticketing centre,” Vaishnaw added, highlighting efforts to ease the journey for devotees.

About the Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is as old as the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Celebrated globally, it marks the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi’s Temple, and their return after eight days. The festival stretches from Akshaya Tritiya in April to the return journey to the Shree Mandir premises.