Kolkata gears up for Puja: Traffic curbs to tackle festive crowds

As Kolkata dives headfirst into the vibrant chaos of Durga Puja shopping, the city's streets are already buzzing with eager crowds, signaling the start of West Bengal's grandest festival. With Mahalaya just days away on September 21, 2025, the Kolkata Police have rolled out a detailed traffic management plan to keep the festive fervor from spiraling into gridlock. A recent notification bans heavy goods vehicles from entering the city during peak Puja days, aiming to ease congestion as lakhs of revelers prepare to throng pandals from Titiya to Nabami.

This year, with memories of past years’ chaotic traffic fresh in mind, authorities are pulling out all stops to ensure smooth movement for pedestrians and essential services alike, setting the stage for a joyous yet orderly celebration.The countdown to Durga Puja officially kicks off with Mahalaya, when devotees flock to riversides and temples, marking the start of pandal-hopping season.

From September 21, the city will see a complete ban on goods vehicles from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving way to the spiritual and cultural surge that defines the festival. As shopping hubs like Gariahat and New Market overflow with buyers snapping up sarees, sweets, and decorations, the streets are expected to grow even more packed post-Mahalaya. Kolkata Police, anticipating this, have crafted restrictions that extend through the main Puja days, balancing the needs of festive-goers with the city’s daily rhythm.From Titiya to Nabami, heavy vehicles will face a daily embargo from 6 a.m. to midnight, ensuring that pandal routes remain accessible for the millions who pour into Kolkata’s streets to marvel at the artistry of Durga idols.

Lighter vehicles under 1,600 kg get a slight reprieve, permitted to ply from the afternoon of Mahalaya to Dwitiya and until 3 p.m. daily from Titiya to Nabami, with port-bound vehicles allowed until 4 p.m. Essential services—think oxygen, medicines, milk, vegetables, fish, and fuel—have been exempted, ensuring that the city’s lifeline isn’t choked even as it celebrates. These measures reflect lessons learned from previous years, where traffic snarls left commuters stranded for hours.

Beyond vehicle bans, Kolkata Police are ready to adapt to real-time challenges. Certain roads may see complete closures or one-way traffic depending on crowd density, with decisions to be made on the ground. Popular pandal zones like Salt Lake, Kumartuli, and Bagbazar, which draw massive footfall, are likely to see the tightest controls. The police’s goal is clear: keep the festive spirit soaring without letting the city grind to a halt. Officers will be stationed at key junctions, and signage will guide commuters, but locals are already bracing for the inevitable bustle that Puja brings.

For Kolkatans, Durga Puja is more than a festival—it’s an emotion, a time when the city transforms into a dazzling showcase of art, culture, and community. Yet, the sheer scale of the celebration, with lakhs visiting over 3,000 pandals, poses a logistical nightmare. Last year’s snarls on major roads like EM Bypass and AJC Bose Road prompted complaints, pushing authorities to tighten planning for 2025. The restrictions aim to prioritize pedestrians, especially families and tourists who travel from across India and abroad to experience Kolkata’s iconic Puja vibe.While shoppers and pandal-hoppers gear up for the festivities, the police’s proactive steps signal a city determined to balance tradition with order.

Residents are urged to plan travel around the restrictions, use public transport like the Metro, and stay updated on road closures. As Kolkata decks up in lights and anticipation, the hope is that these measures will let everyone—from first-time visitors to lifelong locals—soak in the magic of Durga Puja without the stress of traffic woes. The goddess arrives soon, and the city is ready to welcome her with open hearts and smoother roads.