Impact of Durga Puja on city traffic

Impact of Durga Puja on City Traffic in Kolkata

Durga Puja, Kolkata’s biggest festival, has a profound impact on city traffic, leading to extensive road restrictions, diversions, and special management strategies to handle the massive influx of pandal-hoppers and vehicles.

1. Extensive Road Restrictions and Closures

• Duration and Coverage:
  Between October 6 and October 12, 2025, road restrictions are imposed from afternoon until the early hours of the following day, affecting about 27 roads in North Kolkata, 25 in Central Kolkata, and 26 in South and Southeast Kolkata. Additional restrictions apply in South Suburban and Southwest areas, impacting 16 major roads. In total, traffic on 172 thoroughfares is closely monitored and regulated during the festival3.
• Complete Closures:
  Several key roads are completely closed to regular traffic during peak hours to ensure crowd safety and smooth movement of pandal-hoppers. For example, Auckland Road and Kingsway are shut off to all vehicles except those carrying devotees at specific times3.

2. Diversions and Special Arrangements

• Idol Transport:
  Special traffic advisories are in effect for vehicles transporting Durga Puja idols. These vehicles have designated entry and exit routes to and from Kumartuli and are allowed to move freely across the city, while parking is restricted on certain stretches like Strand Bank Road to prevent congestion5.
• Goods Vehicles:
  Movement of goods vehicles (except those carrying essential supplies) is heavily restricted, especially on Mahalaya and throughout the Puja period. For example, goods vehicles over 1600 kg are banned from operating in the city during key hours, with specific diversions for lighter vehicles35.

3. Traffic Police Deployment and Crowd Control

• Massive Police Presence:
  Around 1,000 additional traffic cops are deployed from October 6, with another 1,000 joining the next day. Home guards, civic volunteers, and sergeants are also stationed near major pandals and crossings to manage parking and crowd flow2.
• Key Crossings and Metro Stations:
  Extra attention is given to high-traffic crossings (e.g., Muktaram Babu Street-CR Avenue, Rashbehari, Behala 14, Sovabazar) and Metro stations, where crowd spillover is expected. Barricades and pedestrian channels are set up, and some Metro gates are reserved for entry or exit only24.
• Use of Technology and Announcements:
  Police use public address systems and technology for real-time crowd monitoring and announcements, helping disperse crowds and manage pedestrian movement24.

4. Parking and Pedestrian Management

• No Parking Zones:
  Parking is strictly prohibited on several major roads and near pandals to ensure smooth dispersal of vehicles, especially those transporting idols5.
• Pedestrian Barricades:
  Barricades are set up along pavements and at key intersections to control crowd movement and prevent bottlenecks2.

5. Advice for Commuters

• Plan Ahead:
  Citizens are urged to follow Kolkata Police updates on their official website and social media to stay informed about restrictions and diversions3.
• Use Public Transport:
  Metro and local trains are recommended for pandal-hopping, as many roads will be closed or heavily congested.
• Expect Delays:
  Even with all measures, heavy congestion and slow movement are inevitable, especially in the evenings and near popular pandals.

In summary:
Durga Puja brings Kolkata to a standstill with extensive road closures, diversions, and massive police deployment to manage millions of revelers. Careful planning, real-time updates, and public cooperation are essential for navigating the city during this iconic festival.