Cuttack, Oct 18: The Cuttack district administration has restricted the movement of heavy vehicles on State Highway-65, connecting Khuntuni and Narsinghpur, to ensure the safety of devotees during Durga Puja.

Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde has issued an order imposing the restriction from October 17 to October 27, 2026. The ban will remain in force daily from 6 AM to midnight.

The restriction applies to heavy vehicles travelling on both sides of the highway under Athagarh police limits, where several Durga Puja pandals are located. Trucks, tippers, dumpers, Hywas, trailers and transit mixers carrying stones, concrete and other construction materials will be covered by the order. Both loaded and empty heavy vehicles will be restricted.

However, emergency vehicles, including ambulances, buses, fire tenders and police vehicles, have been exempted. Vehicles carrying LPG, fuel, milk, medicines and Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies will also be allowed to operate.

The administration has directed the Cuttack Superintendent of Police, Regional Transport Officer, Superintending Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department at Charbatia, Choudwar, and the Mining Officer to take necessary steps to enforce the restrictions.

The move aims to ease traffic congestion, improve crowd management and ensure that devotees can visit Durga Puja pandals safely and without inconvenience.