The Howrah Commissionerate has announced extensive traffic restrictions for the Snan-Yatra of Sitala Mata on February 11-12, 2025, to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow during the religious event. Goods vehicles will be restricted from 2:30 AM on February 11 to 12:00 PM on February 12, while all other vehicular movement, except for students and exam-related transport, will be suspended from 11:00 AM on February 11 until the event concludes.
The traffic order, issued by Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Tripathi, IPS, states that key roads, including GT Road, Benaras Road, Liluah Flyover, Natabar Pal Road, and major intersections in Salkia, Pilkhana, Belgachia, and Bandhaghat, will remain closed for general traffic. Traffic police will implement diversions wherever necessary to manage congestion.
Restrictions have been imposed under Sections 112(2), 115, 116, and 117 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Transport Department Notification No. 2827(A)-WT/3M-80/2002 dated September 1, 2011. The police have advised commuters, businesses, and transport operators to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays and congestion.
Authorities have confirmed that these restrictions will be temporary and essential to maintain order during the large-scale religious gathering. However, emergency services and vehicles carrying students for examinations will be exempt. The public is encouraged to stay updated through Howrah Police’s official channels for alternative routes and traffic updates.
List of Affected Roads
Restrictions for Goods Vehicles (Feb 11, 2:30 AM – Feb 12, 12:00 PM)
- NH-19 (Bamundanga Island to Nimtala Crossing)
- GT Road (Nimtala Crossing to Bally)
- Ballykhal Island to Bally (GT Road)
- Goshala Road to Matawala Chowrasta (via Liluah Flyover)
- Kona Crossing to Bamungachi Bridge (Benaras Road)
- Chatterjeepara Crossing (Natabar Pal Road to Belgachia Crossing)
- Bamungachi Bridge (Benaras Road)
- ‘A’ Road & Jhil Road (Liluah PS jurisdiction)
Restrictions for All Vehicles (Feb 11, 11:00 AM – Until Completion of Snan-Yatra)
- GT Road (Pilkhana Crossing to Salkia Crossing)
- Salkia Crossing to Bandhaghat (and vice versa)
- Naskarpara Road to Salkia Crossing (near T L Jaiswal Hospital)
- Liluah Station Road to Salkia Crossing
- Kalitala Crossing (JN Mukherjee Road to Bandhaghat)
- Belur Bazar to Bandhaghat (via Lala Babu Shire Road & Girish Ghosh Road)
- Matawala Chowrasta to GT Road (via Dharmatala Road & Ahmed Mamuji Road)
- Dobson Road & Dr. Abani Dutta Road (towards GT Road)
- Chatterjeepara to Belgachia (via Natabar Pal Road)
- ‘A’ Road Crossing to Belgachia (via Benaras Road)
- Raghab Koley Lane to Belgachia (via Benaras Road)
- Dasarath Ghosh Lane to Belgachia (via Benaras Road)
- Salkia School Road & Upendra Mitra Lane to GT Road (via Jeliapara Lane)
- Ram Sita Mandir to GT Road (via Salkia School Road & Upendra Mitra Lane)
- Japani Gate (Super Kanta) on Howrah-Amta Road towards Howrah
- Alamohon/Dasnagar PS More on Howrah-Amta Road towards Howrah
- Shanpur More on Sailen Manna Sarani (Drainage Canal Road) towards Howrah
- Tikiapara More on East-West Bypass towards Howrah
- Rathtala Crossing towards Belgachia Petrol Pump