Bhubaneswar: A detailed traffic advisory was issued by the police on Thursday ahead of the visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Odisha from August 3 to 5, during which she is scheduled to attend various programmes in Bhubaneswar and Kataka.
The advisory, issued by the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Commissionerate Police said temporary traffic restrictions would be enforced on several major roads in the Twin Cities to ensure the dignitary’s security and facilitate smooth vehicular movement. The restrictions have been imposed under the provisions of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003 and the Bhubaneswar-Kataka Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008.
According to the advisory, no vehicles will be permitted on designated stretches and their connecting lanes during specified time slots.
On August 3 (Monday), traffic restrictions will remain in force from 2.10 pm to 2.30 pm on the route connecting Airport Square, Hospital Square, AG Square and Lok Bhavan Square in Bhubaneswar.
Further restrictions will be imposed from 3.50 pm to 4.50 pm and 5.50 pm to 6.50 pm on key arterial roads passing through Lok Bhavan Square, Power House Square, 120 Battalion Square, Sastri Nagar Square, Behera Sahi Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, XIMB Square, NALCO Square, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandankanan Square, Baranga Golei, Block Chhak, Godi Sahi Chhak, Canal Road and Banara Chhak.
On August 4 (Tuesday), traffic movement will be restricted between 8.30 am and 8.50 am on the route from Lok Bhavan Square to the designated venue via AG Square, Raj Mahal Square, Master Canteen Golei, U-turn, UCO Bank Lane and the left turn to the venue.
On August 5 (Wednesday), restrictions will be in effect from 12.30 pm to 12.50 pm on the route linking Bhubaneswar Railway Station, UCO Bank Lane, Raj Mahal Square, AG Square, Hospital Square and Airport Square.
The advisory also states that on August 3, goods carriers, including six-wheelers and above, buses, trucks and trailers travelling from Bhubaneswar or Khordha towards Kataka, as well as those coming from the Kataka side via Balikuda Square towards Bhubaneswar or Pitapalli Square, will not be allowed to operate during the notified restriction periods.
The restrictions, however, will not apply to emergency service vehicles such as fire tenders, ambulances and police vehicles.
The police has urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance, use alternate routes wherever feasible and cooperate with the traffic police to ensure smooth traffic management during the President’s visit.