Bhubaneswar: Security measures have been heightened and traffic advisories issued across Odisha’s twin cities, Bhubaneswar and Kataka, ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s three-day official visit from August 3 to 5.
Commissionerate Police, in coordination with Special Protection Group (SPG) and other central agencies, has put in place a robust security shield for the President’s visits to Kataka and Brahmapur. “Comprehensive security, traffic management, and logistical arrangements have been made to ensure the President’s safe movement. Around 40 platoons of police, nearly 150 officers, and specialised security units, including the Special Tactical Unit (STU), Special Technical Group (STG) and plainclothes personnel, will be deployed,. A DCP-rank officer will be posted at every venue” Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Devadutta Singh told the media.
Engagements & Itinerary
During her tour, President Murmu is slated to attend several academic, religious, and civic engagements spanning the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Kataka, as well as Ganjam district:
August 3: Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, the President will head to Damapada in Kataka district to formally inaugurate the newly-established Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj University. Founded under the guidance of Swami Mukundananda, the 100-acre eco-conscious campus represents a major milestone in the state’s higher education framework.
August 4: The President will embark on a train journey from Bhubaneswar railway station to Brahmapur in Ganjam district. While in Ganjam, she will visit the Maa Kandhuni Devi shrine located near Taptapani hot spring under Sanakhemundi block to offer prayers.
August 5: Following her regional engagements, President Murmu will return to Bhubaneswar via rail before departing for New Delhi aboard an IAF aircraft.
Traffic Advisory & Route Restrictions
To ensure smooth presidential transit without unnecessary hardship to citizens, the Commissionerate Police has issued detailed traffic diversions. Heavy commercial vehicles heading from Bhubaneswar-Khordha toward Kataka, and those coming from the Kataka/Balikuda Chhak side toward Pitapalli, will be strictly restricted during VVIP convoy movements.
Traffic will be restricted along the route from Nandankanan Zoological Park to Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj University via Barang, Godi Sahi, Bharat Masala Chhak and CISF Munduli from 3:50 PM to 4:50 PM and 5:50 PM to 6:50 PM on August 3.
No vehicles are allowed to ply on the roads and its connecting lane/by-lane in Bhubaneswar on the date and time as mentioned below:
3 Aug (Monday)
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Airport Sq. → Hospital Sq. → AG Sq. → Left Turn → Lok Bhavan Sq.
3:50 PM – 4:50 PM
Lok Bhavan Sq. → Power House Sq. → 120 Bn Sq. → Sastri Nagar Sq. → Behera Sahi Sq. → Jaydev Vihar Sq. → XIMB Sq. → NALCO Sq. → Damana Sq. → Patia Sq. → KIIT Sq. → Nandankanan Sq. → Baranga Golei → Block Chhak → Canal Road → Godi Sahi Chhak → Banara Chhak.
5:50 PM – 6:50 PM
Banara Chhak → Godi Sahi Chhak → Canal Road → Block Chhak → Baranga Golei → Nandankanan Sq. → KIIT Sq. → Patia Sq. → Damana Sq. → NALCO Sq. → XIMB Sq. → Jaydev Vihar Sq. → Behera Sahi Sq. → Sastri Nagar Sq. → 120 Bn Sq. → Power House Sq. → Lok Bhavan Sq.
4 Aug (Tuesday)
8:30 AM – 8:50 AM
Lok Bhavan Sq. → AG Sq. → Raj Mahal Sq. → Master Canteen Golei → U Turn → UCO Bank Lane → Venue.
5 Aug (Wednesday)
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Bhubaneswar Railway Station → UCO Bank Lane → Raj Mahal Sq. → AG Sq. → Hospital Sq. → Airport Sq.
However, emergency service vehicles (ambulances, fire tenders) are strictly exempted from restrictions. Commuters are advised to avoid key corridors like the Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan road during peak restriction periods.