The 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad reached the Saraspur area on Thursday afternoon, 16 July, completing the first major leg of the procession under one of the city's most extensive security operations. Gujarat Police deployed over 31,000 personnel and an AI-powered surveillance grid spanning the entire 16-km route.

Procession Progress and Route

The yatra commenced from the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in Jamalpur earlier in the day, following its traditional course through Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad Cyber Cell DCP Dr Lavina Sinha confirmed that the first segment had reached Saraspur while the second segment was still en route, with the procession advancing as scheduled.

Saraspur holds special religious significance in the yatra — the locality is traditionally regarded as the maternal home (mamera) of Lord Jagannath, where the deities are ceremonially welcomed and offered mahaprasad before the procession resumes. Regarded as India's second-largest Jagannath Rath Yatra after Puri, the Ahmedabad event draws massive crowds annually.

AI and Technology at the Core of Security

This year's security framework relies heavily on Artificial Intelligence and advanced surveillance tools. According to officials, the entire 16-km route is covered by CCTV cameras, including high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras providing real-time crowd monitoring. The police control room itself is equipped with AI-enabled capabilities and facial recognition technology.

'We have surveillance all across. For media monitoring we have an AI-enabled tool for social media monitoring. Then we have drone surveillance from the sky and CCTV surveillance at all points. The entire route is covered. The control room is also enabled with AI and face recognition abilities,' a senior police officer said.

The facial recognition system draws on a pre-built database. 'There is a database of people that we create and leverage for the recognition of miscreants, if any,' the officer explained.

Cyber Cell Monitors Misinformation in Real Time

Beyond physical deployment, police have intensified cyber surveillance to counter the spread of rumours and misinformation during the procession. The Ahmedabad Cyber Cell is actively monitoring all social media platforms and media channels. 'We have police deployed and a cyber cell for media monitoring. All platforms of social media and the media are being monitored for any rumours or misinformation. We are keeping a watch,' a senior officer said.

When asked about the number of social media accounts acted against, DCP Sinha said, 'We are still taking action. I think the exact number we will be able to tell tomorrow.' This signals that enforcement action is ongoing, with a full accounting expected by Friday.

Scale of Deployment

The Crime Branch confirmed the use of high-tech drones, facial recognition cameras, audio surveillance systems, and social media monitoring tools throughout the day. Alongside technology, more than 31,000 police personnel, Rapid Action Force (RAF) units, and other security agencies have been deployed on the ground to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the centuries-old religious event.

As the procession continues its onward journey from Saraspur, authorities say all systems remain operational and no untoward incidents have been reported so far.