May 9, 2026 is set to be a historic day in Indian politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal's first BJP-led government at Kolkata's iconic Brigade Parade Ground. The city is preparing for one of its biggest security and traffic operations in years. To ensure a peaceful event, Kolkata Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory.
Traffic Restrictions and Diversions
Commuters and travellers have been warned of possible diversions, traffic jams, and movement restrictions across the city throughout the day. Officials expect more than one lakh spectators and supporters for the oath-taking ceremony, which will be attended by top political leaders from across India. Heavy security deployment is planned.
The official website of Kolkata Police states: Movement of vehicular traffic will be regulated on the following roads on 09.05.2026, as and when considered necessary: Esplanade Ramp, K.P. Road, Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue, and Queensway.
Event Details and Security
The ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti celebrations. This adds to the public turnout, making it one of the most high-profile political gatherings in the country. More than 4,000 police personnel and central forces have been deployed around the Maidan and Brigade Parade Ground. Authorities are braced to manage an estimated crowd between 10 and 11 lakh.
Impact on Travellers
Those heading to the airport, railway stations, bus stations, hotels in central Kolkata, or planning to explore popular tourist attractions may face significantly longer travel times. Travellers arriving in Kolkata this weekend are advised to depend more on Metro services due to roadblocks in central regions. Visitors heading to tourist hotspots such as Victoria Memorial, Park Street, and the Maidan region may face restricted vehicle access at various points during the day.
Goods Vehicle Restrictions
Kolkata Police notification further reads: Movement of all types of goods vehicles (except those carrying LPG cylinders only, CNG, petroleum, oil, lubricants, oxygen, vegetables, medicine, fruits, fish, and milk) will be restricted within the city (Kolkata Police jurisdiction) from 04:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs on 09.05.2026.
Parking and Movement Bans
Vehicles of all descriptions will not be allowed to park at certain thoroughfares/roads on 09.05.2026. These include areas in and around Victoria Memorial Hall, i.e., portions of AJC Bose Road between Hastings crossing and Cathedral Road, Khidderpore Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Cathedral Road, Casuarina Avenue, Lovers Lane, etc. Movement of vehicles, carts, and tram cars are likely to be temporarily suspended, diverted, or not allowed to be parked on roads and approaches along the line of route of processions and VVIP routes from 04:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs or as and when considered necessary.
Vehicular traffic may also be diverted from any arterial roads and feeder roads by Traffic Police on duty as and when considered necessary. For tourists and residents alike, Saturday is expected to be a busy day in Kolkata.
