Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police of Bhubaneswar–Cuttack has issued a traffic advisory on Wednesday imposing restrictions on vehicular movement in the city in view of the upcoming Ashokastami Car Festival of Lord Lingaraj.
According to the advisory, the festival will be observed on March 26, with the return car festival scheduled for March 30. To ensure public safety and smooth movement during the event, several traffic diversions and restrictions will be enforced under relevant provisions of the Odisha Urban Police Act and Bhubaneswar–Cuttack Police Commissionerate regulations.
As per the order:
No vehicles will be allowed on Rath Road from Mausimaa Chowk. Traffic will be diverted towards Museum Chowk or Vivekananda Marg.
Vehicular movement will be prohibited on Rath Road from Barik Sahi Lane, Maharana Sahi Lane, Gosagreswar Chowk, Sital Sasthi Lane, Tinimundia Chowk, Harchandi Lane, Muna Medical Lane, Punama Gate Lane, and other connecting by-lanes.
No vehicles will be permitted on Rath Road from Rath Khala, and traffic will instead be diverted towards Bata Mahadev Temple.
The police stated that the restrictions are being enforced in the interest of public safety, and any violation will attract penalties under the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003.
However, the restrictions will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire services, and ambulances.
Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh urged the public to plan their routes accordingly and cooperate with authorities. He also noted that in case of any delay in chariot pulling, the restrictions may remain in force until the following day.
