Kataka: The Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of the Rath Yatra to be observed in Kataka on July 16, anticipating a large influx of devotees at temples and along the procession routes.
The traffic regulations, issued under the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 and the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008, aim to ensure the smooth movement of devotees while preventing traffic congestion and maintaining public safety during the festival.
According to the advisory, traffic restrictions and diversions will be enforced at four major Rath Yatra locations—Ranihat, Dolamundai, Chandinichowk and CDA Sector-6—during the chariot processions and while the chariots remain stationed near designated Mausi Maa temples or Melan grounds.
At Ranihat, vehicles from the OMP side will be diverted via CDA Market Square and Jobra Anicut instead of proceeding towards Ranihat or SCB Medical College. Traffic will also be restricted on roads connecting College Square, Hind Cinema Square, Mochisahi, Canal Road and the rear gate of SCB Medical College.
For the Dolamundai Rath Yatra, vehicles approaching from Dolamundai Gada, Seminary Square, Pithapur, Haripur and adjoining areas will face diversions and restrictions during the procession and while the chariot remains at the Melan Ground.
Similar curbs will be imposed in the Chandinichowk area, where vehicles will be diverted from Mahantipada via Satichaura, Ring Road and High Court Square. Restrictions will also remain in force at Gurumahanti Square, Dagarapada, Alisha Bazaar and Kafla Square depending on the movement of the chariots.
In CDA Sector-6, vehicular movement towards the Jagannath Temple from the Markat Nagar side will be prohibited during the procession. Traffic will also be regulated on roads connecting Markat Nagar Government Hospital, Electric Junction, Market Square, Rotary Eye Hospital and Windsor Palace.
The Commissionerate clarified that ambulances, fire service vehicles and other emergency response vehicles will be allowed unrestricted passage throughout the festival.
Police have advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance, expect delays on key routes and cooperate with traffic personnel to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.
The advisory was issued by Commissioner of Police Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh.
