New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- Kolkata Police has announced extensive traffic restrictions across the city for Kali Puja on November 8 and immersion processions on November 9, 10 and 11.

The measures include restrictions on goods vehicles, road closures, traffic diversions and parking curbs to ensure the smooth movement of Puja processions and public safety. The notifications were issued by Police Commissioner Ajay Nand on Saturday.

Goods vehicles not carrying Kali Puja idols will be barred from city roads from 6 am on November 8 to 4 am on November 9. However, emergency vehicles and those carrying essential supplies will be exempted. Goods vehicles weighing less than 1,600 kg, including small commercial vehicles, will be allowed until 4 pm, while light goods vehicles can ply between noon and 4 pm.

Several roads will remain closed to vehicular traffic from 4 pm on November 8 until 4 am the following day, with diversions introduced on other stretches as required. Special traffic arrangements will be enforced around Kalighat Kali Temple from 5 am to 11 am and again from 5 pm on November 8 to 4 am on November 9. Wheeled traffic will be prohibited in the designated area around the temple during these periods.

Special routes have also been prescribed for vehicles transporting Kali Puja idols. From 10 pm on November 5 to 5 am on November 8, such vehicles will be diverted through designated roads instead of Rabindra Sarani. Vehicles carrying idols to Kumartuli will also have to follow specified routes.

During the immersion period, goods vehicles not carrying idols will face restrictions from 8 am to 4 am the following day on each of the three days. Several roads will remain closed from 4 pm to 3 am on November 9, 10 and 11, except for permitted vehicles.

Kolkata Police has designated separate routes for vehicles carrying idols to immersion ghats, including Babughat, Baje Kadamtala Ghat and Nimtala

Ghat. Routes have also been prescribed for empty vehicles returning after immersion. Vehicles carrying idols will not be allowed on Kalighat Bridge and Zeerut Bridge due to height restrictions.

Parking will be prohibited along several roads during immersion hours to facilitate the movement of processions and prevent traffic congestion. Motorists have been advised to follow police diversions and traffic instructions.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.