Bhubaneswar: As part of efforts to ensure public safety and smooth traffic, the Commissionerate Police has banned the holding of marathons, walkathons and any form of road runs on the busy stretch between Behera Sahi Chhak and Nandankanan Square in Bhubaneswar.
In a public advisory, it said several marathon and walkathon events are being organised on important roads in the state capital, leading to traffic congestion and posing serious risks to commuters.
It was stated that the stretch from Kalinga Stadium to Nandankanan Square has been identified as a high-traffic corridor whe
re such events can disrupt vehicular movement and endanger public safety.
The city police further made it clear that mere submission of an application does not mean grant of permission for holding an event. Organisers must obtain prior written approval from the competent authority before making any arrangements for road runs or similar events. Failure to do so will make organisers liable for legal action and any financial loss arising from such events, the advisory said.
To avoid inconvenience to the public, organisers have been advised not to plan events on the Behera Sahi Chhak to Nandankanan Square stretch and instead consider alternative routes.
Prior permission must be obtained from the Licensing Cell under the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar UPD, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, before organising any such event. Non-compliance with these directions will invite appropriate legal action as per law, it warned.