Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister of Culture, Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, accompanied by Odisha's Minister of Higher Education & Culture Surjyabanshi Suraj and BJP National Spokesperson and Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra, visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Puri to review security and surveillance preparedness ahead of the iconic Rath Yatra 2025. The ministers appreciated the use of technology-driven solutions implemented by Odisha Police and developed by Odisha-based defence tech startup IG Drones.

For the first time, the Rath Yatra is witnessing a comprehensive deployment of advanced drone surveillance technology across key areas of the city—enabling real-time aerial monitoring of crowd movements, traffic flow, and potential emergencies. Complementing this are anti-drone systems strategically positioned to detect and neutralize unauthorized aerial threats, ensuring a secure airspace during the festival.

In a significant move to bolster public safety during one of India's most sacred festivals, Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, the Odisha Police has partnered with IG Drones—an Odisha-based pioneer in indigenous drone and anti-drone technology. As a trusted name in India's defence ecosystem, IG Drones has been entrusted with deploying advanced aerial surveillance and counter-drone systems to ensure seamless monitoring and threat neutralization during the grand event. This setup is further enhanced by 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras, a real-time WhatsApp chatbot for public assistance, and an Integrated Command and Control Centre for centralized coordination and data-driven decision-making.

A homegrown startup born in Odisha, IG Drones has rapidly emerged as one of India's leading drone technology firms, developing strategic solutions for defence, specialized and civil safety. The company recently played a pivotal role in the Indian military's Operation Sindoor—a high-stakes defence mission that showcased IG Drones' ability to deliver real-time intelligence and tactical advantage in challenging terrain. Their proven success in national security is now being mirrored in civil applications like the Rath Yatra, reflecting the dual-use value of drone technology.

Both Union Ministers praised the technology-first approach taken by Odisha Police and their partners. "This is a shining example of how technology can be used to safeguard tradition. The synergy of AI, drone surveillance, and real-time command capabilities is commendable," said Dharmendra Pradhan ji.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones and a native of Odisha, shared his thoughts on the mission, stating, "The Rath Yatra is deeply personal to me—not just as a tech entrepreneur, but as someone born and brought up in Odisha. It's a moment of pride and responsibility for us to contribute to the safety of this spiritually and culturally significant event. This year, by integrating our advanced drone surveillance with anti-drone defence systems, we're helping ensure that the Yatra remains peaceful, secure, and uninterrupted. Our aim is to empower authorities with real-time situational awareness and actionable insights that uphold both safety and the sanctity of the festival."

This initiative not only reflects the dual-use potential of drones in both defence and civil safety applications but also sets a benchmark in how indigenous technology can be harnessed to protect public life during large-scale religious events. The Puri Rath Yatra 2025 stands as a proud example of how tradition and technology can move forward together forging a new path in India's public safety and event management landscape.