Durga Puja is back with its normal grandeur after two years. From Kolkata Police to Puja committees, everyone is expecting a huge footfall in Kolkata this year. To make Puja parikrama hassle-free and safe, the state government and Kolkata Police are taking a number of precautions and providing the public with several guidelines. My Kolkata collates a list of handy guidelines you need to bookmark before ringing in the Puja.
Kolkata Traffic Police guide map
The Kolkata Traffic Police has published a pedestrian circulation plan and guide map on their website to assist people on the road. Several roads remain closed or are diverted during the festive season. To avoid confusion, traffic police have released detailed maps on their website for several areas — North and central Kolkata, south and southeast Kolkata, port area and south suburban and southwest Kolkata.
Guide map released by Kolkata Traffic Police
Kolkata Traffic PoliceThe maps show the following information:
- Puja location
- Police assistance booth
- Nearby petrol pump
- Parking spots
- Nearby metro railway stations
- Bus stands
- Foot over bridge
- One-way traffic
- Two-way traffic
- Road closed for vehicles
- Fire brigade
- Places of interest nearby
The pedestrian circulation plan is released for Santosh Mitra Square, Mohammad Ali Park, College Square and Sealdah Athletic Club. The plan shows different routes and nearby public utilities. It also has a list of traffic rules for pedestrians to follow.
Utsav app
The primary feature of the Utsav app launched by Kolkata Police is that it provides a 360° view of about 250 Puja pandals in and around Kolkata. About 2,700 puja committees have registered on it already. The app will help people locate prominent Durga Puja pandals, nearest Metro railway stations, railway stations, pay and use toilets, restaurants and pharmacies. This app is also available on Google Play store and Apple store.
Kolkata Traffic Police helpline
Kolkata Traffic Police has also listed on their website a few helpline numbers that will assist citizens in distress.
Toll-free numbers
For Vodafone subscribers — 2000, 2001
Other network subscribers — 1073
Other numbers of Traffic Control Room
98300-10000, 98308-11111, 99035-88888 (WhatsApp only), 2214-1457, 2250-5096, 2214-3644, 2242-7248
Website
E-mail ID
Facebook & Twitter
For any traffic-related complaints or suggestions, please visit the Facebook Page or Twitter handle of Kolkata’s Traffic Police.
Other available assistance on road
Traffic officers/constables/traffic mobile patrols, traffic signal booths, Kiosks, and KARMA Ambulances (in case of any Road Traffic Accident) will be available too.
“Any citizen or visitor in distress can dial 100 or 1073. We will take action immediately. Our people will assist you or reach the location within a minute or two. We urge people to be responsible and take care of themselves. We are always there at people’s service,” said Alok Sanyal, assistant commissioner of police, Kolkata Traffic Police.
Sharadotsav app
A mobile application launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, Sharadotsav is a one-stop guide for your Puja parikrama. This is a must-have app on your phone if you are planning to head out on a city tour for pandal hopping. From popular puja pandals, and maps to emergency contacts, one will get information about everything in it.
Interface of the Sharadotsav app
What features does the app provide?
- Virtual tour of popular puja pandals if you want to avoid the crowd and pandal hopping
- Zonal map of puja committees
- Detailed information on puja committees
- Nearby puja committees.
- Gallery on puja themes, inauguration of various pujas etc.
- Emergency contact numbers of hospitals, ambulances, blood banks, fire stations, Kolkata Police etc.
- Weather information
- Festive calendar and from Mahalaya to Jagadhatri Puja.
The app can be downloaded from Google Play.
