Bhubaneswar: The Police Commissionerate of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the Historic Baliyatra festival, which will be held on the banks of the Mahanadi river from November 5 to 12. Large crowds and heavy traffic are expected in Cuttack city during the festival.
To ensure greater convenience and in the interest of public safety, by virtue of the powers conferred on me under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 (Odisha Act 8 of 2007), and in pursuance of Regulation 36 of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulation, 2008, the following restrictions are imposed on the plying of vehicles in and around Cuttack city on the above-mentioned days from 2 pm until the dispersal of the crowd.
Key Guidelines for Commuters:
- Light vehicles from Bhubaneswar: Vehicles via Nandankanan, Baranga, or Trisulia should take Netaji Setu → Bellview Chhak (Judicial Academy) → Biju Pattnaik Park, parking at Bhuasuni Ground or Krushak Bazaar Ground. Shuttle buses will be available to reach the Baliyatra Ground.
- Light vehicles from Athagarh and Banki: Park at Bhuasuni Ground, Gorakabar Ground, or Christian Ground, and use shuttle services to reach the festival.
- Two-wheelers from Satichaura Chhak: Designated parking at Dayaashrama Parking Ground or Upper Baliyatra Ground (Zones I & II).
- Three-wheelers and four-wheelers from Chahata Square: Park at Bhuasuni Ground, Gorakabar Ground, or Christian Ground; direct access to Baliyatra Ground from Deer Park is restricted.
- Deer Park Square & Madhukunj Park Square: No vehicles allowed towards Baliyatra; park at Christian Ground, Dayashram Front Ground (2-wheelers), or Upper Baliyatra Ground (Zones I & II).
- Chandi Chhak via Cambridge School: Only two-wheelers allowed; four-wheelers and three-wheelers must park at Christian Padia or Gorakabar Parking Ground.
- Samaj Office Chhak towards Nari Seva Sadan: Four-wheelers and three-wheelers must park at Christian Padia or Gorakabar Parking Ground and proceed via Mission Road → Chandi Chhak → Kanika Chhak → Biju Pattnaik Chhak.
- Reserve Police Line Route: Only two-wheelers allowed, parking at Upper Baliyatra Zone I & II.
- Kill Khana near Lions Eye Hospital Chhak: No vehicles allowed.
- Jobra Chhak & Matamatha Chhak: Vehicles can proceed to the blocking point opposite Chief Justice’s residence, then park inside Baliyatra Ground (Parking 1-4). Vehicles cannot exit via Ring Road; use Silver City Boating Club main gate → Matamatha/Jobra Square.
- Grinar Hotel Square: Vehicles must turn right towards Ring Road and park at Silver City Boating Club Parking Lots 1–4.
The police commissionerate has advised the public to plan travel in advance and make use of shuttle bus services provided from Bhuasuni Parking to Cantonment Police Station to avoid traffic congestion.
