Kolkata Durga Puja Traffic Curbs: Road Closures, Diversions and One-Way Routes

Kolkata is gearing up for the Durga Puja celebrations, with millions of people expected to take to the streets for pandal-hopping. To manage the massive crowds and maintain traffic movement, Kolkata Police have prepared an extensive traffic plan involving road closures, diversions and one-way traffic arrangements.

The restrictions will begin around Mahalaya and continue through the Durga Puja and immersion days. The measures are aimed at keeping important roads accessible while managing the heavy movement of pedestrians and vehicles across different parts of the city.

For people planning to visit popular Durga Puja pandals, understanding the traffic restrictions will be particularly important. Several regular routes may be affected, and motorists could encounter diversions or temporary one-way arrangements depending on crowd conditions.

Mahalaya traffic restrictions

The first major set of restrictions will be imposed on October 10, when devotees are expected to gather in large numbers along the Ganges for Tarpan.

According to the traffic plan, restrictions will be imposed along the riverbank as well as major arterial routes leading towards the waterfront. The objective is to manage the large early-morning crowds and ensure the safe movement of devotees.

A ban on goods vehicles entering Kolkata Police jurisdiction will remain in force from 3 am to 10 pm on Mahalaya. However, light commercial vehicles will be permitted to resume movement after 4 pm.

The restrictions are expected to affect people travelling towards areas along the Ganges, particularly during the early hours when large numbers of devotees traditionally gather for Tarpan.

Why the traffic plan matters

Durga Puja is one of Kolkata's busiest periods of the year. Large crowds gather around major puja installations, while roads in several neighbourhoods experience significant pedestrian and vehicle movement.

The traffic restrictions are therefore designed to balance two competing requirements: allowing people to move around the city for celebrations while preventing major congestion on key roads.

Pandal-hoppers travelling across north and south Kolkata may need to account for longer travel times and possible route changes. Public transport, taxis and autorickshaws may also be affected when roads are closed or traffic is redirected.

What commuters should keep in mind

People heading out during the Puja days should check the latest traffic arrangements before beginning their journey. Routes that are normally accessible may operate differently during peak celebration hours.

Motorists should also be prepared for one-way traffic arrangements and diversions. Those travelling towards major pandal zones should allow additional time for their journeys because pedestrian movement can significantly slow down traffic.

The detailed traffic restrictions are particularly important for visitors unfamiliar with Kolkata's roads. Following police instructions and avoiding restricted stretches can help reduce congestion and make movement easier during the celebrations.

With the city preparing for another major Durga Puja season, Kolkata Police's traffic plan is expected to play a crucial role in managing the movement of residents, visitors, emergency services and commercial vehicles.