Kataka Kali Puja Immersion: Traffic Diversions & Parking Guidelines

Exercising powers under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, along with Regulation 36 of the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008, authorities confirmed that the traffic restrictions will take effect from 7:00 AM on November 11 and remain active until the conclusion of the immersion ceremony.

Detailed Route Restrictions & Diversions

To prevent congestion along traditional immersion routes, several major arteries will be closed to regular traffic, with specific detours put in place:

• OMP & CDA Market Complex Area: Vehicles travelling from OMP Square via the Malgodown Flyover Bridge cannot proceed toward College Square through CDA Market Complex Square, Bombay Hotel Square, or Post Office Square. They must route via Bombay Hotel and I Love Kataka toward Jobra Anicut Square.

• Malgodown & Pilgrim Road: Vehicles originating near Malgodown State Bank are restricted from moving toward College Square via Pilgrim Road. Drivers must use internal roads through Malgodown and proceed toward OMP Square via the flyover bridge or Chhatra Bazar.

• Mochi Sahi & Ranihat: Traffic from Mochi Sahi Square cannot proceed toward Clock Tower via Ranihat High School. Vehicles must head toward Jobra via Dr Tejeswar Rao Square and Taladanda Canal. When Medhas reach Ranihat Square, movement from Bajrakabati Square toward Ranihat will be completely blocked.

• Mangalabag & Kathagola: While processions move through Mangalabag Square, vehicles coming from Kathagola Square cannot enter Mangalabag and must divert onto the Mahanadi Ring Road.

• Machhua Bazar & Howrah Motor Square: Traffic heading from Vigilance Gada toward Machhua Bazar petrol pump or Matamath side is restricted from proceeding toward Howrah Motor Square; vehicles must use the Mahanadi Ring Road instead.

• Girnar Hotel & Buxi Bazar: Vehicles from Girnar Hotel Square cannot move toward Manisahu Square or Mastan Dargah Square (Tanishq). Commuters coming from Bepari Sahi Durga Ghar Square and Samaja Office Square are restricted from proceeding toward Buxi Bazar.

• Meria Bazar & Surrounding Blocks: Vehicles from Meria Bazar Square cannot go toward Barapathar Square, while traffic from Brass Band Square or Kar Palace Square will not be allowed toward Trikonia Bagicha.

• Jail Road & Park Zones: Traffic from Hati Pokhari Square and Netaji Museum side is barred from entering Jail Road. Vehicles near Ravenshaw Girls’ High School cannot proceed toward Padhiari Pathagara or Gaurishankar Park. Movement from Dharmasala Square toward Gaurishankar Park or Utkalika Square is also halted.

• High Court & Court Area: Vehicles from High Court Square cannot move toward Balu Bazar, nor can Balu Bazar traffic move toward Chaudhury Bazar.

• Purna Sahu Square & Ring Roads: Traffic from Jubilee Tower Square, as well as Nandi Sahi Square via Apananka Hotel Square, is restricted from proceeding to Purna Sahu Square. Vehicles from Panchamukhi Choura Square in Tala Telenga Bazar cannot head toward the Kathajodi embankment road via Nrusimhanath Math Road.

• Kathajodi Ring Road & Puri Ghat: Vehicles from Khan Nagar Square and Blue Lagoon Hotel Square are prohibited from proceeding along Kathajodi Ring Road toward Puri Ghat Gada. Additionally, traffic from Judicial Academy Square cannot proceed toward Puri Ghat.

Designated Parking Locations

Devotees and visitors attending the immersion festival can park their vehicles at designated spaces spread across Cuttack:

• Ring Road Areas: Mata Math, Kathagola Chhak, Shri Maa Hospital, CNBT, and parking spots near Bellview Square along the Mahanadi and Kathajodi Ring Roads.

• Educational & Institutional Grounds: Ravenshaw Collegiate School field, Bidanasi High School premises, Christian Ground, Upper and Lower Bali Jatra Grounds, space in front of Bose Engineering College, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Memorial College, Ravenshaw Girls’ High School, P.M. Academy, and Shaheed Bhavan.

• Public & Bus Stand Spaces: Old Puri Bus Stand, Old Badambadi Bus Stand, KMC Kalyani Mandap Parking, INOX Parking Slot, Kar Palace Parking, Machhua Bazaar Parking Slot, canal-side parking near Clock Tower, Chauliajang Playground, and Sun Shine Playground.

• Commercial Parking: Parking space in front of the petrol pump near CDA Market Complex and Buxi Bazar.

Emergency Exceptions & Legal Compliance

The Commissionerate Police clarified that these vehicular regulations do not apply to emergency service vehicles, including Police, Fire Services, Excise, and Ambulances.

Members of the general public have been advised to plan their journeys and routes in advance. Any violation of these orders constitutes an offence punishable under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003.