The Kolkata Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory in this regard ahead of Ram Navami, with Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand announcing a range of restrictions for goods vehicles to facilitate the smooth movement of religious processions in the city on March 26 and 27.
As per the official notification issued on Wednesday, the movement of all heavy goods vehicles has been disallowed from mid-day till midnight on Thursday and from 6 am to 8 pm on Friday.
Recognising the potential impact on daily life, the authorities have exempted several essential categories from these curbs. Vehicles carrying medical supplies, oxygen, milk, and perishable items such as fish, fruits, and vegetables will also be permitted to ply the roads, as will those carrying LPG cylinders and petroleum products— moves that may have been aimed at providing relief during the ongoing regional energy crisis.
The restrictions are expected to be most felt along the major procession routes. In Bhabanipur, the Shiv Shakti Mandir in Paddapukur is scheduled to lead a large rally on Thursday evening, navigating several residential neighbourhoods before returning to the temple. Meanwhile, in Central Kolkata, TMC MLA Vivek Gupta is slated to lead a procession from Burrabazar to the Ram Mandir on Chittaranjan Avenue. Traffic personnel have been authorised to enforce snap diversions on both arterial and feeder roads as the situation demands.
The Commissioner pointed out that these measures, which have been enforced under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Calcutta Police Act, are required to ensure public order and safety during these festivities. Political leaders of different political parties too are planning to hold their rallies during this time. Hence, there would be a high police presence to avoid congestion and ensure smooth celebration over the two days.
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