Restrictions on motorcycle movement ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 have now sparked both partial relief and legal pushback. While the Election Commission has enforced curbs from two days before polling, exemptions have been granted to delivery personnel and office-goers. At the same time, the directive has been challenged in court.
On Wednesday, Justice Krishna Rao permitted the filing of a case in the Calcutta High Court against the restrictions. The petitioner has argued that the curbs could disrupt daily life, affecting everyone from common commuters to legal professionals. The matter is likely to be heard on April 23, the day of the first phase of polling.
Exemptions for delivery services, office-goers
In a fresh communication, authorities modified an earlier order restricting the use of motorcycles and two-wheelers during the election period. The notification stated:
"In pursuance of the communications received from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal vide No. 5625-Home(Elec.) dated 21.04.2026 and No. 5680-Home(Elec.) dated 21.04.2026, the earlier Notification issued by this office vide Memo No. 7621/RPT + Enclo. dated 21.04.2026 regarding restrictions on the use of motorcycles/two-wheelers, with effect from 06:00 hrs of 27.04.2026 till completion of the election process, is hereby modified to the following extent:
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That motorcycles/two-wheelers being used by service providers such as Ola, Uber, Zomato, Swiggy and similar home delivery agencies, as well as office-going riders carrying valid identity cards, shall be exempted from the said restrictions, subject to verification.
It shall be published for wide publicity through print, electronic and social media, Kolkata Gazette, Kolkata Police Gazette and by affixing copies on the Notice Boards of the Office of all Divisional Deputy Commissioners of Police, all Police Stations and the offices of Kolkata Municipal Corporation", the notification read.
The April 21 guideline adds that delivery workers associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Zomato and Swiggy will remain outside the scope of the ban. Office-goers using two-wheelers must carry valid identity cards for verification.
Where polling will take place
The first phase of voting will be held across several districts in North Bengal, including Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda.
Polling will also be conducted at 152 centres across 16 districts of South Bengal, including Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum.
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What the restrictions say
The guidelines specify a series of limits on motorcycle movement in the run-up to polling:
No bike rallies are allowed from two days before voting until polling day
Movement is prohibited between 6 PM and 6 AM during this period
Pillion riding is not permitted from 6 AM to 6 PM, except for medical emergencies, family needs and school-related travel
On polling day, family members can be taken on bikes to vote between 6 AM and 6 PM
Relaxations remain in place for medical emergencies and essential personal situations.
Case to be heard on polling day
With the matter now before the court, attention turns to the upcoming hearing. The decision could determine whether the current restrictions remain unchanged or see further modifications during the election process.
