Durga Puja 2026: Bhubaneswar Police Announce Traffic Restrictions, Heavy Vehicle Ban from October 16

Bhubaneswar: The Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, has announced traffic restrictions across Bhubaneswar from October 16 to 21 in view of Durga Puja celebrations. The restrictions will remain in force daily from 2 pm to 2 am to ensure smooth traffic movement and the safety of pedestrians and festival-goers.

The restrictions have been imposed under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and Section 36 of the Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008.

Heavy vehicles barred on major city roads

Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on several major roads and adjoining stretches during the restricted hours. The affected routes include:

• Rasulgarh–Lingipur: Rasulgarh Chowk to Lingipur Chowk, including Bamikhal, Laxmisagar, Simal, Ravi Talkies and Samantarapur Chowk.
• Vani Vihar–Shishu Bhawan: Vani Vihar Chowk to Shishu Bhawan Chowk, including Rupali Square, Ram Mandir, Master Canteen and Rajmahal Chowk.
• Acharya Vihar–Kalinga Hospital: Acharya Vihar Chowk to Kalinga Hospital Chowk, including Sainik School Chowk.
• Acharya Vihar–New Airport: Acharya Vihar Chowk to New Airport Chowk, including Nicco Park, Patel Marg, Housing Board, Rabindra Mandap and AG Square.
• Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan: Jaydev Vihar Chowk to Nandankanan Chowk, including Xavier Square, Kalinga Hospital, Damana and Patia.
• Bhubaneswar Vihar–Raj Bhawan: Bhubaneswar Vihar Chowk to Raj Bhawan Chowk, including Behera Sahi and Shastri Nagar.
• CRP Square–Power House: CRP Square to Power House, including roads near Stewart School and Unit-8 DAV School.
• Fire Training School–Shishu Bhawan: Fire Training School Chowk to Shishu Bhawan Chowk, including Paika Nagar, Siripur and Ganga Nagar.
• Khandagiri–Pokhariput: Khandagiri Chowk to Pokhariput Chowk, including Jagamara.
• NH-16 service roads: Both sides of the service roads between Baramunda and Palasuni.

Heavy vehicles travelling from Khordha towards Cuttack will not be allowed to enter the city and must join NH-16 at Balikuda via Pitapalli Chowk. Additional restrictions may be imposed at Patrapada Chowk and Birupa Bridge, if required.

Special traffic arrangements for Nayapalli Ravan Podi

Special diversions will be enforced during the Ravan Podi celebrations at Nayapalli. Vehicles, except emergency service vehicles, travelling on NH-16 from the Cuttack side will be diverted through Jaydev Vihar.

One-way traffic movements will be permitted through Shastri Nagar, Power House, Unit-8 and DAV areas towards CRP Square and Fire Station Square. Traffic will also be regulated in the opposite direction towards Jaydev Vihar through Ekamra Kanan and Biju Patnaik College Road.

Bus routes diverted during Puja

The police have issued specific route instructions for buses travelling between Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack.

Buses coming from Puri towards Baramunda must take the route via Pandara, Kesura and Hi-Tech Chowk from Lingipur Chowk. Buses travelling from Baramunda towards Puri must use Uppal Road. Buses will not be allowed to enter the city centre.

Buses travelling from Puri to Cuttack must use the NH bypass from Lingipur Chowk to Hi-Tech Chowk. The reverse route will apply to buses travelling from Cuttack towards Puri.

Government and private buses operating from Master Canteen Bus Stand will not be allowed to proceed towards Vani Vihar or Takia Chowk. They must travel via Ram Mandir Chowk and Housing Board towards Acharya Vihar Chowk.

Similarly, buses from Lingaraj Temple Chowk will not be allowed to proceed towards Lewis Road Chowk. They must take the route via Garage Chowk and Samantarapur towards Lingipur.

Fine for violating traffic rules

Violators of the restrictions will face fines ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 200 under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. The restrictions will not apply to police, fire service, ambulances, excise vehicles and other vehicles engaged in essential services.

Police appeal for safe celebrations

The Commissionerate Police has urged citizens to follow traffic rules and cooperate with personnel deployed across the city to ensure safe and smooth Durga Puja celebrations.

Commuters have been advised not to drive under the influence of alcohol, carry more than two persons on a two-wheeler or use mobile phones while driving. Riders must wear helmets, park only in designated areas, lock their vehicles properly and avoid speeding and reckless driving.

The police have appealed to residents and visitors to plan their journeys in advance and follow diversion signs and instructions from traffic personnel during the festive period.