Finance
The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate issued a detailed traffic advice on Thursday ahead of the Sri Ram Navami celebrations on March 27, warning of widespread restrictions and diversions in major areas of the city owing to a large religious procession.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Padayatra will begin at Maruti Mandap in Choudhury Bazaar, Purighat, and will pass through several prominent localities before returning to the starting point. These include Dagarpada, Kafla Bazaar, Nayasarak, Chandini Chowk, Shelter Chhak, Kanika Chhak, Chandi Chhak, Buxi Bazaar, Barapathar, Tinikonia Bagicha, and Dargha Bazar.
Police expect a large crowd for the holy celebration, necessitating traffic restrictions from 2 to 10 p.m. to safeguard public safety and the procession’s seamless operation.
Key Traffic Restrictions
- Vehicular movement will be prohibited along and towards the procession route at different stages, particularly around Choudhury Bazaar, Nayasadak, Balu Bazaar, Chandini Chowk, Shelter Chhak, Kanika Chhak and Buxi Bazaar.
- Major connecting roads including Jail Road, Firingi Bazaar, Ganesh Ghat, Mission Road, Pension Lane and Barapathar stretches will face partial or complete restrictions depending on the procession’s movement.
- Vehicles will not be allowed to move alongside the Padayatra at any point of time along its designated route.
Roads to Remain Closed
Authorities have declared complete closure of several key stretches on Friday, including:
- Bajrakabati Chhak to Balu Bazaar
- Dolamundai Chhak to High Court
- Cambridge School to Dagarpada
- OPA Office Chhak to Shelter Chhak
- Barapathara “Y” Junction to Chandi Chhak
- GPO Chhak to Buxi Bazaar
- Pattapola Chhak to Barapathara
- Tinikonia Chhak to Hatipokhari
- Gangamandira Chhak to G.S. Park
Advisory to Commuters
The Commissionerate asked individuals to plan their trips ahead of time, avoid the impacted routes during the designated hours, and heed the directives of traffic officers on the ground.
Emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and ambulance services, will be exempt from the limitations.
The police also urged the public to work with officials to ensure the Padayatra runs smoothly and peacefully.
