The Kolkata Traffic Police issued an advisory notice ahead of Kali Puja, outlining how vehicles and traffic will be regulated as people will mostly celebrate Chhat Puja and Diwali on roads. Commissioner of Police, Manoj Kumar Verma, issued the notice, “in view of public safety and convenience in connection with the lifting of idols for Kali Puja Festival, 2025".
The notice is divided into two parts for two different timings.
From 4 pm, October 17 to 5 am, October 20
According to the notice, “Goods vehicles, except those connected with the lifting of Idols, will be restricted to ply along Rabindra Sarani in between Galif Street and B K Pal Avenue. All other types of vehicles may be restricted to ply towards South along Rabindra Sarani from its crossing with Galif Street, as and when required.”
From 10 pm, October 17 to 5 am, October 20
The notice suggests that, “Goods vehicles, except those connected with the lifting of Idols, will be diverted to move along Strand Road, Nimtala Ghat Street, B K Pal Avenue, J M Avenue, Girish Avenue for both their journeys instead of taking Rabindra Sarani.”
It also added, “All types of vehicles proceeding for lifting of Idols intending to go to Kumartuli will be diverted through J M Avenue, B K Pal Avenue, Aurobindo Sarani and would move out via Madan Mohan Tala, Shyambazar Street, Raja Nabakrishna Street and Rabindra Sarani (North).”
“Vehicles meant for carrying Idols will be allowed to park on the western side along Rabindra Sarani from its crossing with Sovabazar Street to Bagbazar Street. There will be no parking of other vehicles on Strand Bank Road in between Sovabazar Street and D C Banerjee Road, and also on Madan Mohan Tala Road, for smooth dispersal of vehicles carrying Idols.” The notice added.
Other than that, according to the notice, “No vehicles, except the vehicles connected with Idols lifting, shall be allowed to enter on Kalighat Road from South to North from the crossing of Hazra Road and Kalighat Road. All types of vehicles connected with Idols lifting will be allowed to move throughout the city during the aforesaid times and dates.”
Another strict regulation from the notice says, “No Image Lifting vehicles will be allowed to ply on Harish Chatterjee Street, Harish Mukherjee Road and also on Kalighat Bridge and Zeerut Bridge due to Height Barrier of 3.15 mt.”
Also, “Rabindra Sarani shall be One Way from South to North from Zakaria Street crossing up to D C Banerjee Street crossing from 07 AM on 20.10.2025 to 04 AM on 21.10.2025,” the notice suggested.
According to the notice, vehicles carrying idols across bridges or overbridges in Kolkata will only be permitted to move if their height matches the specified height limits set by the barriers, to prevent any mishaps.
Traffic police may divert vehicles from main and feeder roads whenever required, in the public’s interest, on the mentioned dates.
