Bhubaneswar Tightens No-Parking Rules Across Key Roads to Ease Traffic Congestion

Bhubaneswar: In a major step to curb growing traffic congestion in the capital, the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Police Commissionerate on Monday announced a comprehensive no-parking enforcement across several busy stretches of the city. The fresh order aims to streamline vehicle movement, reduce road blockages, and enhance overall commuter safety.

The directive, issued by Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh, has been promulgated under Sections 28 and 29 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The Commissionerate noted that unchecked roadside parking has become a major contributor to traffic bottlenecks, particularly in commercial and institutional zones.

Why the Ban?

According to the order, indiscriminate parking on major city roads has been hampering the free flow of traffic, causing frequent congestion, delays, and safety hazards. The rapid expansion of commercial hubs, educational institutions, and hospitals has further increased traffic volume, necessitating stricter control measures.

Key Stretches Declared No-Parking Zones

The following major corridors have been brought under strict no-parking enforcement:

• Raj Bhawan Square to Kalarahanga Chhak via Jaydev Vihar

• Airport to NALCO Chhak via Acharya Vihar

• Sishu Bhawan Chhak to Vani Vihar via Rajmahal Square and Master Canteen Square

• Rasulgarh Chhak to Jaydev Vihar

• Sriya Chhak to PHD Office

• Bapuji Nagar

• IDBI Bank Square to Veterinary College (NH-16)

• Alok Bharati Building to Saheed Nagar Durga Puja Mandap

• Janpath (Kalyan Jewellers) to Charak Medical via Sparsh Hospital

• Trupti Service Station to Saheed Nagar Entry Point

Additional Routes Under Restrictions

Given the persistent congestion in other high-density zones, parking restrictions have also been extended to:

• Gopabandhu Square to Kalpana Square (both sides)

• Kalarahanga Chhak to Nandankanan Square (both sides)

• Jaydev Vihar to Tamando Square (service roads on both sides)

• Jaydev Vihar to CRP Square via Ekamra Kanan

• CRP Square to Power House Square via DAV School (both sides)

• Fire Station to Jagamara Square (both sides)

• Khandagiri Square to Pokhariput Square (both sides)

• Nayapalli U/P to Jaydev Vihar via ID Market (both sides)

• KIIT Square to Infocity via Silicon Institute (both sides)

• Damana Square to Sailashree Vihar (both sides)

• Xavier Square to Sai Temple via Utkal Hospital (both sides)

Penalties for Violations

The Commissionerate has warned that violations of this order will invite penalties under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and Section 223(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Vehicles parked illegally may also be towed under Section 127 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, with owners required to bear towing charges and additional fines.