Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14: Before you step out of home tomorrow, just check the route to take. Police have imposed traffic restrictions for the Independence Day parade at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.

Security has also been beefed up in the city for the I-Day celebrations.

Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to come towards Master Canteen Square either from the Ram Mandir crossing or Raj Mahal Square during the parade. However, there would not be any restrictions on plying of two-wheelers and light vehicles coming to Master Canteen from Ram Mandir and the Raj Mahal-end. But, no such vehicles would be allowed to enter Mahatma Gandhi Marg tomorrow.

Similarly, vehicles will not be allowed to come towards Rabindra Mandap from Housing Board Square and will be diverted at Keshari Talkies towards the left lane from 6.30am onwards.

The vehicles coming from AG Square will not be allowed to move towards PMG Square and will be diverted from Jayadev Bhavan towards the Idcol auditorium-side.

Besides, vehicles coming from 120 Battalion will be diverted towards Unit-IV at MLA colony crossing. The police have also identified as many as seven parking lots for vehicles in and around Mahatma Gandhi Marg during the parade. These parking lots are located near the BDA bus stand off Bhubaneswar railway station, the open space outside the Congress Bhavan, Idcol auditorium, Jayadev Bhavan, SBI local head office and inside Rabindra Mandap and the Unit-II Girls' High School ground.

"Selling of gas balloons is strictly prohibited in the area between PMG Square and Master Canteen Square from 6.30am till the parade is over," states the public notice issued by the police. As many as 22 platoons of police, including the Quick Response Team, Odisha State Armed Police and the Rapid Action Force, will be deployed at Mahatma Gandhi Marg and other areas during the parade, said police commissioner R.P. Sharma.

While an additional DCP-rank officer will supervise the security arrangements, 20 assistant commissioners of police and 100 inspector-rank officers and below will assist him. "A temporary police control room will be set up near the parade venue at Mahatma Gandhi Marg. Additional security cameras will also be installed in the area," said the police commissioner.

Police stations have been asked to intensify night patrolling in the city to check criminal activities. "Besides, the police stations have been asked to verify the occupancy chart of the hotels and lodges located in their area to prevent stay of suspicious elements," said a police official.

CHECK YOUR ROUTE