The lights are still up, but the Puja is winding down. Today, October 20, marks the start of the immersion window, and Kolkata Police has put a detailed set of traffic curbs in place that will last until October 24. If you commute by bus, tram or auto, or if you run a delivery business, your usual route may look very different over the next few days. Here is a plain-language breakdown of what has been announced and how to get around.
What Kolkata Police Has Announced for Immersion Days
According to a notification issued by Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, as reported by Millennium Post, the immersion restrictions run from October 20 to October 24, with separate curbs on October 26 and 27 for Lakshmi Puja immersions. The key points are:
- Goods vehicles not connected with immersion processions are barred across the city from 8 AM on October 20 until 5 AM the next morning, with similar restrictions on the following immersion days.
- From 3 PM on immersion days, traffic is regulated or diverted on several roads, and some roads are made one way.
- Bus and tram services are diverted or suspended on specified routes.
- Autorickshaw movement is restricted.
- Vehicles carrying idols must use designated routes to reach the immersion ghats. They are not allowed on the AJC Bose Road Flyover or the Maa Flyover.
Police have also said further diversions may be added depending on traffic and crowd conditions, so the picture can change during the day.
Who Is Most Affected
Daily commuters who rely on buses and trams will feel the diversions most from mid-afternoon, since the regulated stretches begin at 3 PM. Anyone travelling towards the river side, especially around the ghat approach roads in north and central Kolkata, should expect slow movement. Shopkeepers and small traders who depend on goods vehicles for deliveries should plan stock movement for the early hours or shift it to another day. Essential and emergency vehicles have been exempted in the earlier Puja-day orders, and ambulances should continue to get priority on the roads.
Practical Tips for Getting Around
- Finish office commutes and errands before 3 PM, or plan to stay put until the evening rush eases.
- Use the Metro where you can. Our Kolkata Metro Puja schedule and the report on Metro station security till October 21 will help you plan.
- Keep extra time for autos and app cabs, as pick-up and drop-off may be limited on notified stretches.
- If you are watching an immersion procession, stand well back from the road and keep children close.
- Follow instructions from traffic police and check the Kolkata Traffic Police social media pages for live diversion updates.
- Avoid the two flyovers named above if you are driving an idol-carrying vehicle, and stick to the assigned route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until when do the immersion traffic curbs apply?
The notification covers October 20 to 24 for Durga Puja immersions, and October 26 and 27 for Lakshmi Puja immersions.
Can goods vehicles enter Kolkata on October 20?
Goods vehicles not connected with processions are barred from 8 AM on October 20 until 5 AM the next day, as per the notification.
Are buses and trams running normally?
No. Some routes are diverted or suspended, especially from the afternoon. Check with the operator before you leave.
Which flyovers are off limits for idol vehicles?
The AJC Bose Road Flyover and the Maa Flyover.
The Bottom Line
The next few days are about patience. Plan around the 3 PM mark, lean on the Metro, and expect last-minute changes. The curbs are there to keep immersion processions and the rest of the city moving safely.
Featured image: Traffic on a Kolkata street, photo by Piero Regnante on Unsplash.
Sources: Kolkata Police notification as reported by Millennium Post (October 5, 2026). This article is independently written and details may change as authorities issue updates.
