Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UDN): The Commissionerate Police has announced a series of traffic restrictions in Bhubaneswar from October 16 to 21 in view of Durga Puja celebrations. Heavy vehicles and passenger buses will be prohibited from entering designated parts of the state capital between 2 PM and 2 AM each day to ensure smooth traffic movement and public safety during the festive period.
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The restrictions will cover several major roads, busy junctions and stretches connecting important parts of the city. Commuters, transport operators and visitors to Puja pandals have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow the designated diversion routes.
Heavy Vehicles Restricted on Key City Routes
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on several major stretches, including Rasulgarh–Lingipur, Vani Vihar–Sishu Bhawan, Acharya Vihar–Kalinga Hospital, Acharya Vihar–New Airport, Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan, Jayadev Vihar–Lok Bhavan, CRP–Power House, Fire Training School–Sishu Bhawan and Khandagiri–Pokhariput.
Traffic restrictions will also be enforced on both service roads of National Highway-16 between Baramunda and Palasuni.
Heavy vehicles travelling between Khordha and Cuttack will be diverted through Chandaka and Barang before rejoining the highway at Balikuda. Additional traffic arrangements will be put in place for vehicles approaching from Cuttack during the Ravan Podi event at Nayapalli.
Diversions for Passenger Buses
Passenger buses travelling from Puri towards Baramunda and Cuttack will be diverted through Lingipur, Kesura, Pandara and Hi-Tech to ease congestion on busy city roads.
Buses departing from Master Canteen will be rerouted through Ram Mandir and Housing Board towards Acharya Vihar. They will not be permitted to proceed towards Vani Vihar or Ravi Talkies along their usual routes during the restricted hours.
Morning buses travelling to Lingaraj Temple will follow an alternative route through Garage Square, Samantrapur and Lingipur, bypassing Kalpana and Sishu Bhawan.
The diversions are intended to regulate the movement of large vehicles and reduce congestion in areas expected to witness increased footfall during the festivities.
Emergency Vehicles Exempt, Violations to Attract Fines
Ambulances, police vehicles, fire service vehicles and other emergency vehicles will remain exempt from the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.
The police have warned that violations will attract fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Commuters and commercial vehicle operators have been urged to cooperate with traffic personnel and comply with the prescribed routes and timings.
With Durga Puja expected to draw large crowds to pandals and public gatherings across Bhubaneswar, the traffic curbs are aimed at maintaining orderly vehicle movement and ensuring safer travel throughout the six-day festive period.
Residents and visitors are advised to check their routes before setting out, particularly during the evening and night hours when the restrictions will be in force.
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