Bengal Govt to ensure air ambulance and special safety arrangements for devotees at Digha Ulta Rath

In view of the expected large turnout during the Ulta Rath festival in Digha on July 5, the West Bengal government has arranged for an air ambulance service to remain on standby. Government sources confirmed that the helicopter will be deployed starting from the afternoon of July 4 to facilitate emergency medical evacuation to Kolkata if required. The private aviation company responsible for the helicopter has already been informed and placed on alert.

This measure follows similar arrangements made during the Rath Yatra festival held in Digha from June 25 to 28, during which the air ambulance service was also active. The decision has been taken based on the high footfall at the Jagannath temple during that event. Officials stated that the medical support structure will mirror that of the Gangasagar Mela, where helicopters are used to transport critically ill patients to advanced medical facilities in Kolkata.

The air ambulance provision is part of broader health security preparations for the Ulta Rath. Government sources said this includes coordination with health personnel, emergency responders, and local administration to ensure immediate attention in case of any health-related incidents. These arrangements are being implemented in addition to routine health services available in the area to handle the festival crowd.