Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has enforced traffic restrictions across several key roads in Bhubaneswar from 2 pm on Thursday until 1 am or the conclusion of the Bhasani Yatra, to facilitate the smooth immersion of Goddess Durga idols.
Processions organised by four major Bhasani committees — Bhubaneswar Bhasani Utsav Samiti in Saheed Nagar, Rajdhani Mandir Suraka Bhasani Samiti in Nayapalli, Uttar Bhubaneswar Bhasani Samiti in Chandrasekharpur, and Old Town Bhasani Samiti, will move through designated routes, while separate processions by other puja committees will take place on various city roads.
The measures, imposed under relevant provisions of the Odisha Urban Police Act and related traffic regulations, aim to ensure the safe and orderly movement of vehicles, public convenience, and pedestrian safety.
Procession Routes & Major Diversions
Idols under the Saheed Nagar committee will assemble in the area before proceeding via Rajmahal Chhak, Ram Mandir Chhak and Master Canteen Chhak. Vehicle movement on Janpath Road will be prohibited during the procession, with commuters advised to use Sachivalaya Marg and adjoining roads as alternatives. Around 24 tableaux are expected to join this procession, with at least 26 major puja committees, including those from Palasuni, Bomikhal, Jharpada, Cuttack Road and Old Station Bazaar, participating in the Janpath route segment.
The Nayapalli procession will gather at Nayapalli and move through Soor Company Chhak, the Nayapalli Underpass, CRP Chhak and DAV Chhak before turning right towards Gopabandhu Chhak and Siripur Chhak. Vehicles heading from CRP Chhak towards Kataka will be diverted via Jayadev Vihar and Ekamra Park Road. During this time, traffic on Stewarts School Road, Unit-8 Road and the OUAT Chhak–New Airport Road stretch may use adjoining routes. Approximately 18 to 20 puja committees are expected to take part.
For the Chandrasekharpur route, idols will assemble at Damana Chhak and proceed through Nalco Chhak. Vehicles approaching Jaydev Square from Nandankanan Square can utilise connecting roads at KIIT Square or Kalarahanga Square. Heavy vehicles and buses arriving from the Khordha side will be barred from the service road and must use the flyover instead.
Emergency vehicles such as those of the police, fire brigade, ambulance and excise services remain exempt from the restrictions.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance, follow traffic instructions and use alternative routes to minimise delays amid expected congestion near the immersion sites and procession paths. The arrangements are intended to ensure the immersion ceremonies conclude peacefully as thousands of devotees bid farewell to the Goddess.
Designated Immersion Sites
In parallel, the administration has designated six immersion sites with temporary ponds to support orderly visarjan rituals. These include two locations near the Kuakhai river (one on the Palasuni side and one on the Hanspal side), a site near the Daya river at Lingipur on Puri Road, another near the Kuakhai at Basuaghai on Tankapani Road, a spot near Centurion University close to the KITS campus on the Jatani side, a temporary site set up by Chandaka Gram Panchayat near NIT, and facilities along the Kusabhadra river plus other temporary locations under Balipatna police limits, including a pond at Ramchandrapur near the canal under Bhingarpur Gram Panchayat.
Support equipment such as hydras, JCB machines and tractors has been positioned at these sites, along with improved access roads and lighting.
“Comprehensive preparations have been made across six immersion areas in the BMC and rural sectors. This includes special crowd-management rescue units and night lighting for cranes, as the processions will continue overnight. We are confident that, with the public’s cooperation, everything will run smoothly,” Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M told the media.
Security Measures & Sound Restrictions
Deputy Commissioner of Police Saravana Vivek M has reiterated a strict ban on DJ vehicles and music during the processions, warning that violators will face equipment seizure and criminal action. Playing loud music after 10 pm is prohibited in line with Supreme Court guidelines, though traditional instruments and bands are permitted. Firecrackers are also banned.
“Strict directives have been issued prohibiting the use of DJ vehicles by all puja committees. Notice has been served that non-compliance will lead to the registration of a criminal case against the vehicle owner and organizer. This protocol has been relayed to all Zonal ACPs and Inspector In-Charges, and reinforced during multiple consultative meetings with event organisers,” the DCP added.
To maintain law and order and manage crowds, 48 platoons of police personnel along with around 100 officers will be deployed across the capital. Organisers have been urged to cooperate fully with the authorities and adhere to all guidelines.