Cuttack: The Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Kataka, on Wednesday announced traffic restrictions across Millennium City for Rath Yatra on Thursday.
Since large gatherings of devotees are expected along the procession routes and around major temples, police have notified several route diversions and restrictions in key areas of Kataka city.
Ranihat Rath Yatra
During the chariot procession and while the chariot is stationed near Mausi Maa Temple (close to Hind Cinema, Ranihat), the following restrictions will apply:
Vehicles (three- and four-wheelers) coming from the OMP side will not be permitted toward Ranihat or SCB Medical College via CDA Market Square near Ravenshaw College. They must turn right at CDA Market Square and proceed via Jobra Anicut Square.
No vehicles will be allowed from College Square toward Hind Cinema Square.
Movement from Mochisahi Square toward College Square is prohibited; vehicles should divert via Dr. Tejeswar Rao Square and Canal Road.
No traffic will be permitted from Dr Tejeswar Rao Square toward Mochisahi Square.
Vehicles from the rear gate of SCB Medical College cannot proceed toward College Square or Ranihat Square.
Traffic from Chhatra Bazaar Bridge will be diverted away from Hind Cinema Square via Canal Road and redirected via Pilgrim Road to College Square.
Dolamundai Rath Yatra
Restrictions around Dolamundai include:
Vehicles from Dolamundai Gada cannot proceed toward Pi
thapur or Haripur and must use the diversion via Canal Road and Seminary Square.
While the chariot is in procession or stationed at Melan Ground, no three- or four-wheelers will be allowed from Seminary Square toward Dolamundai; they should divert via Buxi Bazaar and Ranihat Square.
No vehicles from Pithapur Shiva Temple toward Dolamundai during the chariot’s stay at Melan Ground.
Traffic from Gupta Distributor near Melan Ground and from Haripur Middle Road Square toward Dolamundai Square is prohibited.
Vehicles from Hotel Akbari will not be allowed toward Dolamundai Square.
Chandini Chowk Rath Yatra
For the procession near Mausi Maa Temple at Kafla Square:
Vehicles from Mahantipada Square cannot proceed toward Chandinichowk and must divert via Satichaura Square, Ring Road, and High Court Square.
No traffic from Gurumahanti Square toward Chandini Chowk during the procession.
After the chariots cross Gurumahanti Square, vehicles from that junction cannot head toward Kafla Square.
Until the chariots pass Gurumahanti Square, no vehicles from Chandini Chowk will be allowed toward Gurumahanti Square.
Movement from Dagarapada Hanuman Temple Square toward Chandini Chowk is banned during the procession; additional restrictions toward Kafla Square will apply once chariots reach Mausi Maa Temple.
No vehicles from Alisha Bazaar Square toward Kafla Square.
CDA Sector-6 Rath Yatra
No vehicles will be allowed to enter the Jagannath Temple area in CDA Sector-6 from the Markat Nagar side during the procession.
Traffic will be restricted from Markat Nagar Government Hospital via Electric Junction and from Market Square via Rotary Eye Hospital up to Windsor Palace.
Emergency Services Exempted
Ambulances, fire tenders, and other emergency vehicles will be given free passage at all times. Citizens have been advised to plan their travel in advance and account for extra time to avoid congestion. Police have appealed to the public for full cooperation to ensure the festival proceeds peacefully and traffic moves safely throughout the city.