Kolkata Police Announce Citywide Traffic Curbs for Ganga Sagar, Makar Sankranti

Kolkata Police has released a comprehensive traffic notice by the time of the Ganga Sagar Mela and Makar Sankranti festivals. These limitations will aim to prevent congestion. They will also guarantee the safety of the population. Additionally, they will ensure the free flow throughout the city during the peak of footfall hours. The notification came into force on January 5. It will be in force between January 10 and January 16. The high restrictions will occur on January 14. The order implies that goods vehicle transportation will be greatly controlled. This control will occur along a variety of major roads in south Kolkata and central Kolkata. Diversions will occur mainly at St Georges Gate Road and Strand Road. Significant diversions will take place between the Hastings Crossing and Kingsway. Such restrictions can be made up to 24 hours on top of regular regulations based on the traffic condition.

Goods vehicles leaving the Dock area will be rerouted. The route includes AJC Bose Road, JL Nehru Road, CR Avenue, Khidderpore Road, and Dufferin Road. This change will occur in case of necessity. On the same note, vehicles that originate in the Central Business District are heading south. They will be shifted through Barbourne Road, India Exchange Place, New CIT Road, and Ashutosh Mukherjee Road. The declaration states that goods vehicles within Dock and CBD areas cannot use the D H Road. This restriction applies to the specified time period. Instead, traffic will be redirected over the Hastings Crossing New Flyover. It will then go to CGR Road, Hide Road and Budge Budge Road. This change will occur between January 12 and January 16.

This period will be entirely restricted to James Long Sarani with regards to goods automobiles. Stricter actions will follow on January 14. These will include a total lockdown of the movement of goods vehicles along St Georges Gate Road. This also applies to Strand Road during a 24 hours period. The lockdown will be between AJC Bose Road Crossing and Armenian Ghat Street Crossing. Additional restrictions will be imposed in the period between 4 AM to 10 PM on January 14. Goods vehicles will not be permitted at Rabindra Sarani between B.K. Pal Avenue Crossing and Bagbazar Street Crossing. Strand Bank Road will also be closed down the whole area.

During peak times on January 14, dock and Port system goods vehicles will face restrictions. These restrictions apply to entry and exit movements. But there will be an exemption of emergency services. They will allow vehicles carrying important commodities. These include LPG cylinders, CNG, petroleum products, oxygen, milk, medicines, vegetables, fruits, and fish. Light type vehicles can operate after 4 PM on January 14. These vehicles have a gross vehicle weight of not more than 1600 kilogrammes. This consists of small carriers like Tata Ace, Mahindra Zeeto and Suzuki Super Carry.

Parking has been declared along St Georges Gate Road and Strand road. This applies between Prinsep Ghat up to River Traffic Police Office. Pilgrim cars shall be given a restricted parking and have been instructed to occupy Bangabasi College Ground. More parking prohibitions will be made between Prinsep Ghat and Esplanade crossings January 14. Vehicles carrying devotees to the holy dip can park on the western side of Strand road. They can also use St Georges Gate road. This will be done under stringent conditions. It will not hinder the normal traffic movement. During this time a temporary relocation of the Bus Stand at Band Stand will be done to an appropriate location.Outbound traffic on Kingsway to Howrah can be redirected on Auckland Road when necessary. Traffic police on duty can also issue more diversions of arterial and feeder roads based on the real-time traffic conditions. Kolkata Police has encouraged commuters and drivers to make their travel plans early and strictly adhere to traffic recommendations. The government has urged citizens to offer their assistance in making the festive season in the city peaceful and safe.