As the festive spirit takes over the temple city, the Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar-Kataka has released a comprehensive traffic advisory to ensure public safety and smooth crowd management during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Spanning from October 16 through the grand immersion processions on October 22, 2026, the new guidelines enforce strict restrictions on heavy vehicles, passenger buses, and city transit routes.
Under the leadership of Police Commissioner Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh, IPS, the measures have been enacted using powers granted by the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate Regulations, 2008.
Festive Heavy Vehicle Bans (October 16–21)
From October 16 to October 21, 2026, heavy vehicles and passenger buses will be restricted from entering core city zones between 2 PM and 2 AM daily. Major arterial corridors—including the stretches from Rasulgarh to Lingipur, Vani Vihar to Sishu Bhawan, and Jayadev Vihar to Nandankanan—will see complete heavy vehicle bans.
Immersion Procession Traffic Plan (October 22)
On October 22, 2026, traffic flow will be heavily regulated from 2 PM to 1 AM to facilitate the grand Bhasani (immersion) processions of the city’s major committees:
Safety Appeal and Exemptions
Emergency vehicles—including police, fire services, excise, and ambulances—are fully exempted from these restrictions.
The Commissionerate has strongly urged residents to plan their commutes ahead of time and practice responsible celebration. Citizens are reminded to avoid driving under the influence, wear helmets, refrain from triple-riding on two-wheelers, and use designated parking zones. Violations of these orders will face strict penalties under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003.
The police administration wishes all residents a safe, joyful, and peaceful Durga Puja 2026.
