Bhubaneswar: As many as 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and elite Black Cat Commandoes or National Security Guard (NSG) will be deployed for the upcoming Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Odisha’s Puri city.

This was revealed during a high-level meeting on the security arrangements for the annual festival in Puri today. Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania chaired the review meet.

Altogether 13,000 security personnel, including the CAPF will be deployed in the Holy City as part of the enhanced security arrangement for Rath Yatra. As many as 70 police aid posts will be set up in and around Puri city during the festival, said an official.

The entire Puri city will be divided into four zones for proper traffic management. At least 45 sections of police personnel will manage traffic. Besides, two traffic control rooms will come up at Kumbharpara and Malatipatpur, he added.

“The administration will deploy drones for monitoring traffic flow and as well as congregation of devotees. More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed on the Grand Road and other places for surveillance purposes,” revealed the Odisha Police.

A five-tier security arrangement will be in place around the 12^th century shrine as well as the three chariots for an incident-free Rath Yatra. The Quick Response Team (QRT) will be deployed on the Grand Road to meet any eventuality, it added.

“The administration has identified as many as 30 parking lots in Puri to cater to the incoming vehicles. Real time information on traffic movement, rituals of the deities and other safety measures will be disseminated to the devotees through a chat bot,” said the official.