With Durga Puja just around the corner, Kolkata is gearing up to welcome the festive rush. To ensure smooth traffic flow and manage the anticipated crowds, the West Bengal government has rolled out a comprehensive traffic management plan.
Starting October 6th, an additional 1,000 traffic officers will be deployed on the streets. From October 7th to 9th, special office-time traffic arrangements will be implemented to ease congestion during peak hours. To address the parking challenges during the festival, home guards, civic volunteers, and sergeants will be stationed near pandals. The main traffic force will be deployed between 2 pm and 4 pm on all puja days, focusing on key areas to prevent bottlenecks and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Recognizing that specific locations experience significant congestion during Durga Puja, traffic officers have strategically identified several crossings for increased deployment, particularly between Tritiya and Sasthi.
One example of this focused approach is Chorbagan, which typically faces a surge in traffic after 3 pm during the festival. To address this, Parvati Ghosh Lane will be closed to traffic (except for local residents) to prevent congestion and ensure the crowd disperses efficiently towards Bidhan Sarani-Vivekananda Road.
To further enhance the traffic flow and pedestrian safety, several routes will be barricaded. Both sides of Amherst Street and BB Ganguly Street will be barricaded to manage the central Kolkata crowd. College Square will see a two-way dispersal system through Bankim Chatterjee Street, a strategy implemented for the second year in a row. Hawkers will be removed from in front of Bachan’s Dhaba on Rashbehari Avenue to improve traffic flow in the area. Metro station gates will be designated for entry and exit, streamlining the flow of people.
At Ballygunge Cultural, the flow of revelers will be adjusted to account for those visiting the Tridhara pandal, ensuring smooth access for everyone. Finally, exit routes from some pandals along CR Avenue near Sovabazar-Girish Park will be extended to facilitate smoother pedestrian movement.
With these comprehensive measures, Kolkata is poised to host a safe and enjoyable Durga Puja, ensuring a seamless experience for both residents and visitors alike.
