The Kolkata Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the city in view of the Portathon event scheduled for Saturday, 7 December. To ensure public safety and the smooth flow of the event, significant movement restrictions will be enforced across multiple key routes.
Timing and Legal Authority for Restrictions
The traffic measures will be active from 4:00 am until 1:00 pm, or until the conclusion of the programme, whichever is earlier. Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma has invoked powers under the Motor Vehicles Act, Calcutta Police Act, and West Bengal Traffic Regulations Act to implement these curbs. Notably, all categories of goods vehicles will face movement bans on several arterial roads.
Major Roads and Areas Affected
A large network of roads will see either complete closure or restricted access during the specified hours. The 2nd Hooghly Bridge will have specific restrictions for traffic heading from the bifurcation towards the Hastings down ramp and for Howrah-bound vehicles via the 11 Furlong Gate and Ghorapass.
The extensive list of impacted roads includes:
- C.G.R. Road (from Ramnagar crossing east bound)
- D.H. Road (from Pailan crossing north bound)
- Satya Doctor Road, G.R. Road, Clyed Row
- St. Georges Gate Road, Khidderpore Road, Alipore Road
- AJC Bose Road (from Hastings Crossing to Mullick Bazar)
- New Road, Dufferin Road, Casuarina Avenue
- Red Road (north bound), Lovers Lane, Hospital Road
- Bardhaman Road, Garden Reach Flyover
Specific Closures and Diversions in Kolkata Maidan
The Kolkata Maidan area will witness a complete shutdown for vehicles from 4:00 am to 1:00 pm. Roads such as Khidderpore Road, Casuarina Avenue, Queensway, Red Road, Bardhaman Road, Garden Reach Flyover, and CGR Road will be inaccessible to general traffic.
Additional precise restrictions have been detailed by the police:
A.J.C Bose Road will stay open for westbound traffic from the Belvedere Road crossing. However, vehicles intending to go towards the 2nd Hooghly Bridge or St. Georges Gate Road/Strand Road will not be permitted.
Eastbound movement on CGR Road will be halted from the Satya Doctor Road crossing. All traffic from the St. Georges Gate Road/Clyed Row crossing moving southwards will be restricted.
Furthermore, westbound vehicles on Khidderpore Road will be barred from proceeding towards the Hastings crossing. The Hastings ramp will be accessible exclusively for devotees associated with the event.
Advisory for Commuters and Event-Goers
The Kolkata Traffic Police has emphasized that these restrictions are subject to change based on ground conditions. Officers may divert vehicles from any arterial or feeder road as deemed necessary during the event to manage congestion and ensure safety.
Residents and visitors planning to travel through the city on the morning of December 7 are strongly advised to plan their routes in advance, considering these extensive curbs. Using alternative routes, public transportation where available, and allowing for extra travel time is highly recommended to avoid inconvenience.
