Shillong, October 16: The Shillong Traffic Police (STP) has issued a detailed traffic advisory for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations from October 17 to 20, followed by idol immersion on October 21, in view of the expected increase in vehicular and pedestrian movement across the city.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, said sector-wise no-entry restrictions and designated no-parking zones would be enforced during the festive period to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.
The advisory covers the Sadar, Laban, Lumdiengjri, Rynjah and Laitumkhrah sectors, with restrictions at several junctions and roads leading to Puja pandals. Motorists have been directed to follow the prescribed diversion routes and comply with instructions issued by traffic personnel.
The police have also prohibited parking and stopping of vehicles within a 100-metre radius of Puja pandals. Vehicles found violating the restrictions may face challans, clamping or removal in accordance with the law.
For the immersion procession on October 21, additional no-entry restrictions will be imposed around the Polo and 4th Furlong areas. These include restrictions on movement between Polo Point, 4th Furlong Junction and CS Junction, with specified exemptions for vehicles carrying idols.
The advisory also identifies no-parking zones along several roads, including the stretch from Laban Police Station Junction to Circuit House Junction, Howell Road to Batti Bazaar Junction, RR Colony roads, the Lumdiengjri Police Station–Mawprem Junction stretch, District Council Point towards Kyrbom and Chokhani Building, as well as the Paltan Bazaar area and Trenching Ground Road towards Jhalupara Point.
The police have urged residents and visitors to plan their journeys in advance, use alternative routes wherever necessary, park only in authorised areas and strictly follow traffic regulations to avoid congestion.
Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire service vehicles, will be given priority passage during the festive period.
For traffic-related assistance, the public may contact the following Shillong Traffic Police branches:
- Sadar Traffic Branch: 69093 96415
- Laitumkhrah Traffic Branch: 69093 96412
- Madanrting Traffic Branch: 69093 96416
- Lumdiengjri Traffic Branch: 69093 96414
- Rynjah Traffic Branch: 69093 96413
- Laban Traffic Branch: 69093 96411
- Mawlai Traffic Branch: 69093 96417
The public may also contact the Police Emergency Helpline at 112.
The Shillong Traffic Police has appealed to citizens and visitors to cooperate with the traffic arrangements to ensure safe and hassle-free Durga Puja celebrations across the city.
