The millennium city of Kataka is buzzing with festive energy as lakhs of devotees prepare to witness the grand Ratha Yatra 2026 tomorrow.
To ensure the sacred chariot procession moves smoothly and safely, the Police Commissionerate Bhubaneswar-Kataka has released a comprehensive traffic advisory today.
Issued by Commissioner Dr Suresh Dev Datta Singh, IPS, the advisory imposes targeted vehicle restrictions across multiple key areas to prevent congestion, guarantee hassle-free movement for pilgrims, and maintain order during the Shri Gundicha Yatra.
Here’s what changes on the roads tomorrow:
Ranihat Rath Yatra (near Hind Cinema)
Vehicles coming from the OMP side towards Ranihat or SCB Medical College must take a right turn at CDA Market Square and proceed via Jobra Anicut Square. No vehicles will be allowed from College Square or Mochisahi Square towards Hind Cinema/Ranihat. Vehicles from Chhatra Bazaar Bridge have also been diverted via Canal Road and Pilgrim Road.
Dolamundai Rath Yatra
Vehicles from Dolamundai Gada cannot proceed towards Pithapur or Haripur — they must use the Canal Road–Seminary Square diversion. During the procession at Melan Ground, three and four-wheelers face strict movement bans from Seminary Square, Pithapur Shiva Temple, Gupta Distributor, Haripur Middle Road Square, and Hotel Akbari.
Chandinichowk Rath Yatra
Vehicles from Mahantipada Square heading towards Chandinichowk must divert via Satichaura Square, Ring Road and High Court Square. Once the chariots cross Gurumahanti Square, several one-way restrictions will come into force around Kafta Square and Dagarapada Hanuman Temple Square.CDA Sector-6 Rath Yatra
No vehicles will be permitted to enter the Jagannath Temple area in CDA Sector-6 from the Market Nagar side during the procession. Traffic from Market Nagar Government Hospital will be restricted up to Windsor Palace via Rotary Eye Hospital.
Emergency vehicles exempted
Ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency services will have free passage at all times.
The police have appealed to citizens to plan their journeys well in advance and allow extra travel time. “We request the cooperation and support of all citizens to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage,” the advisory states.
With the iconic chariots set to roll through the streets of Kataka tomorrow, the city is all set for a grand yet well-managed celebration.
