Bhubaneswar, Nov 25: In a major step towards ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety, the Commissionerate Police has enforced a strict ban on vehicle parking across several key roads of Bhubaneswar.

The order, issued under Sections 28 and 29 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003, along with relevant provisions of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate (Traffic and Public Order) Regulations, 2008, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, aims to tackle the growing menace of irregular parking that has been causing congestion, inconvenience to commuters, and potential safety hazards.

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Commissioner of Police Dr. S. Debdutta Singh (IPS) announced that parking will be strictly prohibited on 21 major stretches of the city. These include busy corridors such as:

• From Raj Bhavan Square to Jaydev Vihar Square via Kalarahanga Square
• From Airport to Nalco Square via Acharya Vihar Square
• From Shishu Bhavan Square to Rajmahal Square and Master Canteen Square via Vani Vihar Square
• From Rasulgarh Square to Jaydev Vihar Square.
• From Shreya Square to PHD Office.
• Bapuji Nagar.
• From IDBI Bank Square to NH-16 via Empire Hotel.
• From Alok Bharati Building to Sahid Nagar Durga Puja Mandap, Jalpath Road.
• From Janpath (Kalyan Jewellers) to Sparsh Hospital, Charak Medical Store.
• From Trupti Service Station, Jalpath to Sahid Nagar Entry Point.

Additional restrictions cover both sides of service roads and arterial routes including:

• From Gopabandhu Square to Kalpana Square (both sides)
• From Kalarahanga Square to Nandankanan Square (both sides)
• From Jaydev Vihar Square to Tamando Square via both-side service roads
• From Jaydev Vihar Square to Ekamra Kanan Park Road (both sides) via CRP Square
• From CRP Square to Unit-8 DAV School (both sides) via Power House Square
• From Fire Station Square to City Women’s College Square (both sides) via Jagamara Square
• From Khandagiri Square to Pokhariput Square (both sides).
• From Nayapalli Underpass to ID Market (both sides) via Jaydev Vihar.
• From KIIT Square to Infocity Square (both sides) via Silicon Engineering College.
• From Damana Square to Sailashree Vihar (both sides).
• From Xavier Square to Sai Mandir Square (both sides) via Utkal Hospital.

The order makes it clear that violations will be treated as punishable offences under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and Section 223(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Vehicles found parked in restricted zones will be towed away with the help of cranes, and owners will be liable to pay fines along with additional towing charges under Section 127 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Authorities emphasized that the decision was taken keeping in mind the rapid increase in traffic volume due to business hubs, educational institutions, hospitals, and residential growth in the city. The order will remain in force until further notice and is expected to significantly ease congestion, improve road discipline, and enhance commuter safety across Bhubaneswar.