Bhubaneswar: In view of the grand Maha Shivratri celebrations at the historic Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar on 26th February, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has issued a detailed traffic regulation plan. The regulations, effective from midnight on 25th February 2025, aim to ensure smooth vehicular movement, prevent congestion, and facilitate pedestrian safety during the festivities.
The measures have been implemented under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and in accordance with Regulations 21, 36, and 37 of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008.
Key highlights of the traffic plan include:
- Diversion from Rath Road and Punama Gate: Vehicles (four-wheelers and two-wheelers) approaching Lingaraj Temple from Rath Road and Punama Gate will be diverted from Badheibanka Square towards the BM High School ground for parking. Heavy vehicles will be prohibited on Rath Road during this period.
- Kedar Gouri Temple and Sanatorium Chhak Routes: Vehicles coming from Kedar Gouri Temple and Sanitarium Chhak will be directed via Koti Tirtha Lane through Kacherapindi Chhak. Parking will be available at the vacant space behind Taranga Club. Koti Tirtha Lane will operate as a one-way route from Sidhi Mandap Lane during this time.
- Samantarapur Route: Vehicles from Samantarapur will be allowed via Sri Ram Nagar, merging at Substation Square, and diverted towards the northern side of Ananta Basudev Temple and the rear side of Taranga Club for parking.
- Keuta Sahi Route: Vehicles from Keuta Sahi will be diverted from Sriram Nagar to the BMC Market Complex/Ananta Basudev parking and other designated parking areas via Substation Square.
- Tara Sundari Road: Vehicles approaching from Tara Sundari Road will not be allowed beyond Badheibanka Chhak and will be diverted from Municipality Hospital to the BM High School ground for parking.
- Buses and Heavy Vehicles: Buses and heavy vehicles coming from Mausima and Kalpana via Ramakrishna Math will be allowed up to Sanitorium Square, where they will be parked at the newly launched bus stop.
- Invitees and Government Officials: Vehicles of invitees and government officials on Rath Road will be diverted at Badheibanka Square towards dedicated parking areas via Municipality Hospital Road.
- The following places have been decided as designated parking places:
The Bhubaneswar Police have urged devotees and commuters to adhere to the regulations for a hassle-free and safe celebration. Adequate signage and personnel will be deployed to guide vehicles and ensure compliance with the traffic plan.
Maha Shivratri, one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of devotees to the Lingaraj Temple every year. The traffic regulations are part of the police’s efforts to manage the large influx of visitors and maintain public order during the festivities.
The Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has further appealed the devotees to avail public transport to avoid traffic congestion.
