Kolkata Police Issues Traffic Advisory for Independence Day Rehearsals: Check Routes

As the Independence Day Parade rehearsals on Red Road are ongoing, traffic in Kolkata will be severely restricted from August 4 to August 8. According to an advisory from the Kolkata Traffic Police, automobile & pedestrian traffic on many important roads must be controlled between 5:00 AM and 8:30 AM, or until the rehearsals are over. The notification, TP/28, was issued by Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Verma on August 1, on X.

The decision emphasizes the necessity to protect the public from discomfort & refers to provisions from the Motor Vehicles Act, the Calcutta Police Act, and the West Bengal Traffic Regulation Act. Commuters have been urged to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with the authorities. The restrictions may ripple into early business hours, affecting offices and supply chains operating in the central business zone.

What the Advisory Says?

The rehearsals will take place over 5 consecutive days — August 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. During this period, the police will regulate all classes of vehicles and pedestrian traffic on and around the Maidan area during early morning hours.

 Movement restrictions will apply between 5:00 AM and 8:30 AM, though timings may extend depending on the duration of the rehearsals.

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The following roads will remain completely closed to vehicles:

• Red Road
• Casuarina Avenue
• Khidderpore Road (North Bound Vehicles)
• Hospital Road (as and when required)
• Lovers Lane (as and when required)
• Plassey Gate Road (as and when required)
• Kingsway (as and when required)
  

Offices, Supplies May Be Hit

While the parade rehearsals are important for national pride and ceremonial preparation, they also coincide with early business hours. The Maidan region is home to numerous corporate offices, hospitals, and logistical companies.

Morning deliveries, workplace arrivals, and scheduled services may be delayed or redirected. Businesses that rely on just-in-time operations should plan for unexpected disruptions, especially those involving perishable commodities or tight deadlines.

Police Prepared for Real-Time Diversions

If necessary, the traffic police may reroute cars from feeder and arterial roads based on their real-time road condition monitoring. During the restricted hours, this dynamic approach will improve public safety and traffic flow.

However, real-time adjustments may confuse commuters unfamiliar with alternate routes.

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Law Backing the Decision

The recommendation is based on numerous legal frameworks, including the Motor Vehicles Act, the Calcutta Police Act, and the West Bengal Traffic Regulation Act.

Commissioner Manoj Verma noted that these orders will function in addition to regular restrictions, provided they are not contradictory to the new ones.

Commuter Advisory: Plan, Don’t Panic

The public has been urged by authorities to prepare ahead and keep themselves updated. It is recommended that commuters pay attention to traffic updates, depart earlier than normal, and obey local staff members' directions.

Assuring the success of a significant national event while reducing annoyance is the main goal.