Bhubaneswar, July 15: In view of the upcoming Bol Bom Yatra (Kanwar Yatra) during the holy month of Shravan, the Commissionerate Police have announced important traffic measures in the twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims and vehicles.

These measures will be effective from July 30 to August 28.

The holy month of Shravan will be observed from July 30 to August 28. During this period, a large influx of Bol Bom (Kanwariya) devotees is expected every week, particularly from Sunday evening to Monday afternoon, travelling from Cuttack, Puri, Khordha and surrounding areas towards Shree Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar.

As per the advisory, motorists are advised to avoid roads leading to these temples, wherever possible, and use alternate routes.

Police expect heavy traffic congestion around major Shiva temples, including Shree Lingaraj Temple, Kapilash Temple (Old Town), Kedareswar Temple, and other prominent Shiva shrines, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

It asked the commuters to follow the directions of Traffic Police personnel deployed on duty and do not park vehicles on roads leading to temples and use designated parking areas.

Heavy vehicles will be diverted from sensitive routes during peak pilgrimage hours to give priority to pedestrians and Kanwariya devotees while driving.

Motorists have been advised to drive at a moderate speed and avoid unnecessary honking near temples and along procession routes.

The Police also asked Kanwariya devotees to use the footpath. If a footpath is not available, they should keep to the left lane while proceeding towards the temple.

Similarly, in Cuttack, thousands of devotees are expected to collect holy water from Gadgadia Ghat on the banks of the Mahanadi River.

Special traffic arrangements will be enforced in Kataka City too.

Four-wheelers and commercial vehicles will be strictly prohibited from entering the Gadgadia Ghat, Madhusudan Bridge, and Deer Park stretches from Sunday morning onwards during July 30 to August 28.

Ambulances, fire service vehicles, and other emergency vehicles will be allowed free passage at all times.

To avoid traffic congestion, the Commissionerate Police urged the citizens to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time.

“We request cooperation and support of all citizens to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and to maintain safe and orderly traffic movement throughout the city,” said Commissioner of Police S Dev Dutta Singh.