Bhubaneswar: Traffic movement has returned to normal on the Bhubaneswar-Puri stretch of NH-316 after severe congestion late last night. The snarls were caused as lakhs of devotees converged for the sacred darshan of the Trinity at the Gundicha Temple in Puri.
As per reports, heavy traffic chaos was witnessed particularly at Malatipatpur, where devotees heading for Trinity darshan at Gundicha Temple were stuck for around 1.5 to 2 hours. At around 2 am, the Odisha Police issued an urgent advisory stating: “Very Heavy inflow from Uttara, Bhubaneswar towards Puri. Malatipatpur and Batgaon waiting time 1.5-2 hours. All vehicles are being diverted to designated parking places. Requesting all devotees coming from Bhubaneswar to wait till further updates before starting for Puri.”
The situation was aggravated by continuous moderate rain accompanied by one or two intense spells and lightning in Puri. However, by 5 AM, normal traffic flow was restored on the highway.
Police have cautioned that fresh traffic snarls may occur in the evening as the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual of the holy Trinity will take place at Gundicha Temple in the evening hour.
The Odisha Police has urged devotees to cooperate with traffic personnel and follow official advisories for a safe and smooth journey.
Pilgrims have been advised to stay informed through official channels, plan their trips carefully, and keep their mobile phones charged while monitoring updates.
