Bhubaneswar, Oct. 23 -- With the 2027 Puri Rath Yatra scheduled for July 5, the Odisha government has begun advance preparations, focusing on road infrastructure, traffic management, healthcare, sanitation and pilgrim safety to ensure the smooth conduct of the mega festival.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday, to review preparedness and direct departments to complete key infrastructure and logistical arrangements well ahead of the festival.

Dr Aravind Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration also attended the meeting besides others.

The meeting reviewed the availability of timber for the construction of the three chariots. Of the 865 logs ...