Gearing up for the Honourable President’s visit to Odisha on July 14 and 15, 2025, the Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has rolled out a comprehensive traffic advisory to ensure the safety and security of the dignitary while maintaining smooth traffic flow in the twin cities.
This advisory, effective from tomorrow, introduces stringent measures, including road closures and diversions, impacting commuters and goods carriers alike.
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will grace the fifth convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar on July 14. On July 15, the President will grace the 13th annual convocation of Ravenshaw University and lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls’ High School at Cuttack. She will also grace the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das and present the Kalinga Ratna Award-2024 at Cuttack.
The visit, which will see the President attending various programmes in the twin cities, has prompted authorities to enforce regulations under the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and the Public Order Regulation, 2008. Starting Monday, July 14, specific roads will be off-limits to all vehicles during designated time slots, with detailed schedules released to guide the public.
Road Closures and Diversions
On July 14, from 5:10 PM to 5:50 PM, key routes including Airport Sq., Hospital Sq., AG Sq., Raj Bhawan Sq., and others will be closed, with left and right turns restricted at various junctions. A second closure from 6:30 PM to 7:05 PM will affect areas around Jaydev Vihar Sq. and Shastri Nagar Sq.
On July 15, closures are scheduled from 9:30 AM to 11:10 AM, 11:50 AM to 12:15 PM, and 12:25 PM to 12:50 PM, impacting routes near Ravenshaw University, Madhusudan Statue, and Circuit House.
Additionally, goods carriers with six or more wheels—trucks and trailers—face significant restrictions.
On July 14, those travelling from Khurda to Cuttack via Bhubaneswar will be diverted at Pitapalli Sq. to Chandaka Sq., while those from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar will be rerouted at Balikuda Sq. to Pitapalli Sq. via Chandaka Sq. A complete ban on these vehicles will be in place from 6 AM to 7 PM on both days, including NH-16. However, this restriction will not apply to emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police units.
Commuter Guidance
Commuters are urged to plan their routes carefully and opt for alternate paths to avoid inconvenience. The advisory highlights the importance of public cooperation to ensure smooth traffic management during this period. Detailed diversion plans and time-specific restrictions are designed to minimise disruption while prioritising the safety of the presidential entourage.
The Police Commissionerate, led by Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh, IPS, has assured the public that additional measures, including increased police presence, will be in place to manage the situation effectively.
As the twin cities prepare to host this high-profile visit, the traffic advisory serves as a critical tool to balance security needs with the daily lives of Odisha’s residents. Stay tuned for further updates as the event unfolds.
