High-Level Review & Field Assessment Conducted to Finalize Comprehensive RACI Matrix for Ratha Jatra

Puri: Under the guidance of Director General of Police, Odisha, a high-level review meeting and extensive field assessment were conducted under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police (Modernization), to finalize a comprehensive and foolproof RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) Matrix for the upcoming Rath Yatra 2026.

The strategic exercise brought together senior police leadership and district administration officials, including Inspector General of Police, Central Range; Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch; Deputy Inspectors General of Police from various units; District Magistrate, Puri; and Superintendent of Police, Puri.

As part of the review process, a detailed field visit was undertaken across critical locations associated with the Rath Yatra. The senior officers inspected key operational zones, crowd congregation points, traffic corridors, emergency access routes, parking arrangements, and other sensitive areas to assess preparedness and identify potential challenges. The field assessment enabled stakeholders to align ground realities with operational planning and strengthen inter-departmental coordination.

During the visit and subsequent review meeting, IGP, Central Range, provided a comprehensive presentation on the proposed RACI Matrix and elaborated on the responsibilities of various agencies and field formations. He explained in detail the framework developed to ensure clarity in accountability, effective communication, and coordinated action among all stakeholders involved in the conduct of the festival. His presentation highlighted critical operational aspects, including crowd management, traffic regulation, emergency response, law and order arrangements, disaster preparedness, intelligence coordination, and public facilitation measures.

The meeting extensively deliberated upon security architecture, deployment strategies, anti-sabotage measures, technological interventions, command-and-control systems, cyber surveillance mechanisms, and contingency planning. The RACI Matrix was designed to ensure that each task, decision point, and operational responsibility is clearly assigned, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing operational gaps during the festival.

ADG,emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all agencies to ensure the safe and successful conduct of Rath Yatra 2026. He directed all concerned officers to operationalize the framework and undertake regular reviews to ensure preparedness at every level.

The senior officers reaffirmed their commitment to providing a secure, orderly, and hassle-free experience to the lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the world-famous Rath Yatra. The finalized RACI Matrix will serve as a comprehensive operational blueprint for all stakeholders and further strengthen Odisha Police’s preparedness for the grand festival.

The Odisha Police, in close coordination with the district administration and allied agencies, remains fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of public safety, security, and service delivery during Rath Yatra 2026.