Traffic Restrictions Announced for Cuttack Ahead of Baliyatra Festival

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of the historic Baliyatra festival, scheduled to take place on the banks of the Mahanadi river in Cuttack from November 5 to 12. With heavy crowds expected, police have announced several traffic restrictions to ensure smooth movement and public safety.

According to the notification issued under Section 28 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, and Regulation 36 of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulation, 2008, the restrictions will be in force daily from 2 PM until dispersal of the crowd during the festival period.

Key Guidelines for Commuters

• Light vehicles from Bhubaneswar via Nandankanan, Baranga, or Trisulia must take Netaji Setu → Bellview Chhak (Judicial Academy) → Biju Patnaik Park and park at Bhuasuni Ground or Krushak Bazaar Ground. Shuttle buses will ferry visitors to the Baliyatra Ground.
• Vehicles from Athagarh and Banki should park at Bhuasuni Ground, Gorakabar Ground, or Christian Ground, and use shuttle services to reach the venue.
• Two-wheelers from Satichaura Chhak can park at Dayashrama Parking Ground or Upper Baliyatra Ground (Zones I & II).
• Vehicles from Chahata Square must park at Bhuasuni Ground, Gorakabar Ground, or Christian Ground. Direct entry to Baliyatra via Deer Park is restricted.
• No vehicles will be allowed towards Baliyatra from Deer Park Square and Madhukunj Park Square. Parking will be available at Christian Ground, Dayashram Front Ground (for two-wheelers), and Upper Baliyatra Ground (Zones I & II).
• From Chandi Chhak via Cambridge School, only two-wheelers are permitted. Four-wheelers and three-wheelers must park at Christian Padia or Gorakabar Ground.
• From Samaj Office Chhak towards Nari Seva Sadan, four-wheelers and three-wheelers are to park at Christian Padia or Gorakabar Ground and proceed via Mission Road → Chandi Chhak → Kanika Chhak → Biju Patnaik Chhak.
• Only two-wheelers are allowed via the Reserve Police Line Route, with parking at Upper Baliyatra Zone I & II.
• No vehicle movement will be allowed near Kill Khana (Lions Eye Hospital Chhak).
• From Jobra and Matamatha Chhaks, vehicles may proceed up to the Chief Justice’s residence point, then park inside the Baliyatra Ground (Parking 1–4). Exit through Silver City Boating Club main gate → Matamatha/Jobra Square.
• From Grinar Hotel Square, vehicles must turn right towards Ring Road and park at Silver City Boating Club Parking Lots 1–4.

The Commissionerate has urged visitors to plan their travel early and use shuttle bus services from Bhuasuni Parking to Cantonment Police Station to avoid congestion.

The annual Baliyatra festival, celebrating Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links, is expected to draw lakhs of visitors from across the state and beyond.