Commuters must brace for diversion in traffic on arterial roads during the President’s visit to the city on Wednesday and opt for alternative routes to reach their destinations on time.

As part of the heavy security cover for Pranab Mukherjee, the entire stretch of Bailey Road, extending from the Dumraon police outpost till Dakbungalow roundabout, will remain closed to all kinds of vehicles from 12noon to 12.30pm. He will inaugurate the state’s agriculture roadmap, amid attending other programmes, during the state visit.

“Traffic would be diverted on several major roads and police personnel would be deployed on every road. People would have to take alternative routes,” a police officer told The Telegraph.

Suggesting possible alternatives for motorists, the officer added: “All along Bailey Road, commuters can opt for alternative routes such as Ashiana Mor, Punaichak and Hartali Mor. For example, the road from the Dumraon police outpost till the Patel roundabout near the airport will remain closed from 11.50am to 12.20pm. But Jagdeo Path will be open for commuters. Motorists have to drive along the barricades put up. Adequate police would man the roads to thwart any untoward incident.”

The police expect that Raja Pul road, which branches out from Boring Road and passes through Gol Ghar to reach Gandhi Maidan, will bear the traffic burden. “That is one of the major roads that will remain open. The timings of the road closures might change according to the President’s programme. High barricades have been put on road dividers and also on the roadsides. People might be inconvenienced for a while but police will help them,” said another police officer.

The road from Chitkohra bridge towards Patel roundabout will remain closed from 11.50am to 12.20pm.

“But commuters can use the Gardanibagh rail overbridge will remain open as an alternative. Similarly, the part of Frazer Road passing by Gandhi Maidan till Kargil Chowk will remain closed from 12noon to 12.30pm. The roads going towards the new secretariat will be open,” the officer added.

Movement of commercial vehicles, including public transport, will be restricted from 10.20am to 12.20pm on all main thoroughfares such as Bailey Road, Dakbungalow roundabout, Frazer Road and Gandhi Maidan, sources said.

“Railway passengers emerging from stations will face trouble in reaching their destinations. However, no restrictions will be imposed on the movement of fire tenders and ambulances,” another police officer said.

Citizens this correspondent spoke to expected to face difficulties during the President’s visit.

“The police seem to have planned diversions in several arterial roads which will definitely cause us hardships. Office goers will have trying time in reaching their respective workplaces on time. We will have to start from our homes early. Public transport will not ply for two hours, which is a major cause of concern,” said Ajit Kishore, a public sector employee.