Bhubaneswar Rukuna Ratha Jatra traffic advisory: Everything commuters need to know

Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, is gearing up for one of its most vibrant and revered festivals — the Rukuna Ratha Jatra of Lord Lingaraj. As the city prepares for the grand celebration, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has issued an important traffic advisory for all commuters to ensure smooth transportation and safety during the festival.

The Rukuna Ratha Jatra is a highly anticipated annual event, celebrated during the auspicious Chaitra Navratra on Ashokastamee. It is a two-day extravaganza held on April 5 and April 6, with the return car festival scheduled for April 9 and April 10. This grand procession of Lord Lingaraj’s chariot is expected to draw a massive crowd, and for this reason, the authorities have imposed certain traffic restrictions in the interest of public safety and convenience.

Key Traffic Restrictions for Rukuna Ratha Jatra 2025

To ensure the safety of thousands of devotees and facilitate the smooth conduct of the Rukuna Ratha Jatra, the Commissionerate Police has announced a series of traffic restrictions and diversions in and around the temple city. These measures are intended to manage the heavy traffic and crowd movement during the festival days.

1. Ratha Road Diversion:
   • No vehicles will be allowed on Ratha Road starting from Mausimaa Chhak.
   • Vehicles will be diverted either towards Museum Chhak or Vivekananda Marg, depending on the direction of travel.
2. No Entry on Key Lanes:
   • Ratha Road will be closed to vehicles coming from several major lanes and by-lanes including:
     • Barik Sahi Lane
     • Maharana Sahi Lane
     • Gosagareswar Chhak
     • Sital Sasthi Lane
     • Tinimundia Chhak
     • Harchandi Lane
     • Muna Medical Lane
     • Punama Gate Lane
   • Additionally, any other lanes or by-lanes emerging at Ratha Road will also be restricted.
3. Traffic Diversion from Ratha Khala:
   • Ratha Road will be restricted from Ratha Khala as well, with vehicles diverted from Ratha Khala towards Bata Mahadev Temple.

Important Points to Note

• Penalty for Violation: Any violation of the traffic advisory will be considered an offence under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. Offenders will be liable to pay a fine ranging from a minimum of Rs. 500 to a maximum of Rs. 1,000 per offence.
• Emergency Vehicles Exempted: The restrictions will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire, and ambulance services. These vehicles will be allowed to move freely to ensure public safety and to respond to emergencies during the event.
• Pedestrian Movement: While vehicles will be restricted in certain areas, pedestrians will still be able to move through designated pathways. However, due to the anticipated heavy foot traffic, it is advised that individuals plan their movements in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Why These Restrictions Are Necessary

The Rukuna Ratha Jatra is not just a religious festival; it is a massive cultural event that attracts thousands of devotees. The festival marks the procession of Lord Lingaraj’s chariot through the streets of Bhubaneswar, and the sheer volume of devotees and visitors can make the roads congested, posing safety risks.

The traffic restrictions have been put in place to ensure that both the devotees and general public can enjoy the festivities without the hassle of traffic jams or accidents. With over a lakh of people expected to participate in the Jatra, it is imperative to control traffic flow and allow smooth passage for the procession.

Traffic Management Plan During the Event

The Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has also highlighted that several traffic personnel will be stationed at key locations to guide commuters and manage diversions. Public transport services will be available in areas not affected by the road closures, and the police will work in coordination with local authorities to ensure minimum disruption.

Tips for Commuters

1. Plan Ahead: If you are commuting on April 5th, 6th, 9th, or 10th, make sure to plan your route ahead of time and check for alternative routes.
2. Use Public Transport: If possible, opt for public transport to avoid the stress of finding parking or getting stuck in traffic.
3. Avoid Peak Hours: Traffic congestion will be at its peak during the procession hours, typically in the morning and evening. Plan your travel accordingly to avoid delays.
4. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on social media and news channels for real-time traffic updates and advisories from the Bhubaneswar Police.