Dussehra 2026 / Kataka: Heavy Vehicle Restricted on Khuntuni-Narsinghpur Road During Durga Puja

Kataka, Oct 17: In a bid to ensure the safety of devotees and facilitate smooth traffic movement during Durga Puja festivities, the Kataka district administration has imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles along a stretch of State Highway-65 between Khuntuni and Narsinghpur, officials said on Saturday.

The order has been issued by Kataka Collector and District Magistrate as well as Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Chairman Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, keeping in view the large crowds expected to visit puja mandaps located along both sides of the highway under Athagarh police limits.

Traffic Restrictions Announced

According to the order, the movement of heavy vehicles on the Khuntuni-Narsinghpur stretch of State Highway-65 will remain prohibited from October 17 to October 27, 2026, between 6 a.m. and 12 midnight every day.

The restriction applies to both loaded and unloaded heavy vehicles, including trucks, tippers, dumpers, hyvas, trailers and transit mixers transporting stone chips, concrete and other construction materials.

Officials said the temporary measure has been introduced to prevent congestion, reduce accident risks and facilitate hassle-free movement of devotees visiting major Durga Puja pandals in the region.

Essential Services Exempted

The administration has exempted vehicles engaged in emergency and essential services from the restrictions.

Ambulances, buses, fire service vehicles and police vehicles will continue to operate on the route. Vehicles carrying LPG cylinders, fuel, milk, medicines and Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies have also been excluded from the purview of the order.

Authorities said the exemptions were granted to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and emergency response services during the festival period.

Directions to Enforcement Agencies

To ensure effective implementation, the district administration has directed the Superintendent of Police, Regional Transport Officer, Roads and Buildings Department officials, and mining authorities to take necessary enforcement measures.

Crusher units operating in the concerned region will also be informed about the restrictions to avoid disruptions and ensure compliance.
Also Read: Fire Dept Conducts Mock Drills at Puja Pandals Amid Dussehra Rush in Bhubaneswar

Focus on Devotee Safety

Officials said the primary objective of the traffic regulation is to safeguard devotees, streamline vehicular movement and maintain law and order during the Durga Puja celebrations.

With thousands of visitors expected to travel to the pandals over the coming days, the administration has appealed to transport operators and the public to cooperate with the temporary arrangements in the interest of public convenience and road safety.