Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: Police have made elaborate traffic arrangements for the Pujas with special focus on parking of vehicles near pandals here. The cops have also decided to tow away vehicles parked within a 50-metre radius of the pandals.

The police said nine platoons of police would be deployed to regulate and manage traffic during the Pujas. "Seventy home guards, 40 personnel of the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force will be deployed in the city. Besides, 28 police officers will also manage traffic during the festivities," said a police official. This year, the Pujas are being celebrated at 172 pandals in Bhubnaeswar.

The cops have also banned heavy vehicles from plying on the national highway passing through the city. They can only use only the flyover from Khandagiri to Rasulgarh. "No vehicles will be allowed to ply between Vanivihar Square and Rajmahal Square on October 12 from 2pm to midnight for the immersion procession," said a police official.

With a number of puja pandals located on the roadsides in crowded areas of the city, traffic management will be a major challenge for the city police.

The police have also decided to intensify the drive against illegally parked vehicles in the city. The festive season has led to congestion of roads because of unauthorised parking especially on the stretch between Vanivihar and Rajmahal Square. "Two towing vehicles will be with us to deal with illegally parked vehicles," said a police official.