In preparation for the State Level Independence Day Parade on August 15, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of the event on Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
Traffic restrictions will be enforced on August 11 and 12 from 2 PM to 6 PM, on August 13 from 7 AM to 11:30 AM, and on August 15 from 6 AM until the conclusion of the parade.
By virtue of the powers conferred under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 (Odisha Act 8 of 2007) and in accordance with Regulations 36 and 37 of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate (Traffic & Public Order) Regulations, 2008, the following traffic diversions and restrictions will be in effect on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and its surrounding areas during the specified dates and times:
1. No heavy vehicles will be allowed to proceed towards Master Canteen Square from either the Ram Mandir or Rajmahal side.
2. Two-wheelers and light motor vehicles will be permitted to travel from the Rajmahal side towards the Ram Mandir side through Master Canteen Square only. Vehicles will not be allowed to turn towards PMG Square from Master Canteen Square until the function is completed.
3. No vehicles will be allowed to approach the Rabindra Mandap side from the Housing Board side and will be diverted at the Keshari Talkies crossing.
4. No vehicles will be allowed to move towards PMG Square from the AG Square side and will be diverted at Jaydev Bhawan Square towards the IDCOL Auditorium side.
5. All vehicles coming from the 120 Bn. Square side will be diverted towards Unit-IV at the MLA Colony crossing.
6. All lanes connecting to Mahatma Gandhi Marg will be sealed, with only pedestrians allowed access to Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
To facilitate public convenience, seven designated parking zones have been announced:
- BDA Bus Stand near Railway Station
- Congress Bhawan frontage
- IDCOL Auditorium frontage
- Jaydev Bhawan frontage
- SBI Unit-III frontage
- Rabindra Mandap premises
- Unit-II Girls’ High School Ground
In a safety-first move, the Commissionerate has also banned the release of gas balloons between PMG Square and Master Canteen Square from 6 AM until the end of the function on August 15. Violators will face fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003.
The advisory, signed by Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh, IPS, urges citizens to cooperate with traffic personnel and plan their travel accordingly.
