Bhubaneswar: The Police Commissionerate Bhubaneswar-Kataka has issued a public advisory imposing traffic restrictions and diversions on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and its surrounding areas in connection with the State Level Independence Day Parade-2026.
The measures will apply during the rehearsals and the main parade to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
According to the advisory, traffic restrictions will be enforced on August 11 and August 12 from 2.30 PM to 6 pm, on August 13 from 8.30 am to 11.30 am, and on August 15 from 6 am onwards until the completion of the parade and related functions. These arrangements have been made under the powers conferred by Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and in pursuance of Regulations 36 and 37 of the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008.
Going by the guidelines, heavy vehicles will not be permitted to ply towards Master Canteen Square from either the Ram Mandir side or the Rajmahal side. Two-wheelers and light motor vehicles will be allowed only from the Rajmahal side towards the Ram Mandir side through Master Canteen Square. No vehicles will be permitted to proceed towards PMG Square from Master Canteen Square until the event concludes. Vehicles heading towards Rabindra Mandap from the Housing Board side will be stopped and diverted at the Keshari Talkies crossing. Movement towards PMG Square from AG Square will also be restricted, with vehicles diverted at Jaydev Bhawan Square towards the IDCOL Auditorium side. All vehicles coming from the 120 Bn Square side will be redirected towards Unit-IV at the MLA Colony crossing. In addition, all lanes connecting to Mahatma Gandhi Marg will remain sealed, and only pedestrians will be allowed access to the road.
Besides, designated parking facilities have been arranged at the BDA Bus Stand near the Railway Station, the open space in front of Congress Bhawan, the open space in front of IDCOL Auditorium, the open space in front of Jaydev Bhawan, the open space in front of SBI in Unit-III, the open space inside Rabindra Mandap, and the Unit-II Girls’ High School Ground. The sale of gas balloons has been strictly prohibited in the area between PMG Square and Master Canteen Square on August 15 from 6 am until the conclusion of the state-level Parade.
The Commissionerate Police has cautioned that any violation of these orders will constitute an offence punishable under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. The public has been advised to plan their routes in advance and cooperate with the traffic arrangements.
