Traffic advisory issued for Independence Day parade in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar. Amidst preparations for the State-level Independence Day Parade 2026, the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory for the city. Traffic restrictions and diversions will be enforced on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and connecting major roads during the parade rehearsals and the main ceremony on August 15. The police have urged motorists to use alternative routes during the specified times and cooperate in maintaining smooth traffic flow.
According to the notification issued by the Commissionerate Police, traffic controls will be implemented at different times on various days due to parade preparations and rehearsals. Restrictions will be in effect from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM on August 11 and 12. Meanwhile, traffic restrictions will apply from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on August 13. On Independence Day (August 15), traffic arrangements on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and surrounding roads will be specially regulated from 6:00 AM until the conclusion of the parade.
Traffic changes during parade rehearsals
Vehicle movement on major city roads may be affected during the rehearsals involving parade contingents and other participants. In view of this, the Commissionerate Police has released advance information regarding traffic adjustments.
Normal traffic on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and connecting roads will be regulated during the rehearsals scheduled for August 11 and 12 between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes suggested by the police instead of the usual paths.
The police state that temporary traffic adjustments are necessary to facilitate the movement of parade contingents during the rehearsals. The public is urged to allow extra time for their commute and to adhere to the instructions of the traffic police. Restrictions to Continue on the Morning of August 13
As part of parade preparations, traffic controls will be in effect on August 13 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. During this period, vehicular movement on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and surrounding roads will be regulated.
Commuters heading out for work, school, or other essential tasks during these morning hours should take note of the changes in traffic arrangements. The police have urged the public to avoid restricted routes and use alternative paths as needed.
Stricter Arrangements from 6 AM on August 15
Traffic restrictions will be in force for the longest duration on August 15, the day of the main Independence Day celebration. According to the official notification, special traffic controls will be implemented on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and adjoining areas from 6 AM until the conclusion of the parade.
A large number of people, security forces, and parade contingents will be present during the main event. Additionally, there will be vehicular movement involving distinguished guests and attendees. Consequently, the police will make special arrangements to ensure security and smooth traffic flow.
Motorists Must Use Alternative Routes
The traffic advisory aims to inform the public about traffic changes in advance, allowing them to plan their journeys accordingly. Motorists must adhere to traffic police instructions on roads where restrictions or diversions are in place.
The police have appealed to the public not to park their vehicles in restricted zones. Using designated parking areas and following traffic police guidelines will help manage traffic congestion.
Potential Increase in Traffic Pressure
Traffic volume is likely to rise on certain key routes during the Independence Day parade rehearsals and the main event. Due to diversions, traffic on alternative routes may also be heavier than usual. Therefore, the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to head towards restricted areas only when essential. The Commissionerate Police may also increase the deployment of traffic personnel to regulate vehicular movement and divert commuters to alternative routes.
Arrangements to be implemented at different times over four days
According to the traffic advisory, traffic restrictions and diversions will be in effect on August 11 and 12 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, on August 13 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and on August 15 from 6:00 AM until the conclusion of the parade.
The Commissionerate Police has urged the public to take note of the stipulated restrictions before setting out and to allow sufficient time for their journeys. Public cooperation is crucial for maintaining security arrangements and smooth traffic flow during the Independence Day celebrations.
The advisory issued by the police aims to ensure that the parade rehearsals and the main ceremony are conducted safely and in an organized manner. The administration expects motorists to use alternative routes and adhere to traffic regulations, thereby ensuring smooth traffic movement in Bhubaneswar during the Independence Day events.