Kolkata Police have drawn up an intensive all-day deployment plan as the city faces a pre-Christmas rush alongside three mass events on Sunday – a large Gita recitation at Brigade Parade Ground, an Army-led bike rally and a central Kolkata marathon – with traffic, parking and crowd safety under sharp focus.
City on high alert
Kolkata Police (KP) are rolling out a packed duty roster from Sunday morning till late evening to manage overlapping crowds from festive shoppers and three high-footfall events. The force expects pressure around Park Street, central business areas and key access points to Brigade Parade Ground.
The Gita recitation at Brigade Parade Ground is expected to attract a massive turnout, adding to congestion near Maidan and key approach roads. Simultaneously, an Army programme featuring a bike rally and a marathon in central Kolkata will stretch traffic and security resources across multiple corridors.
Deployment and control measures
Senior officers have ordered additional personnel from different units to plug enforcement gaps across sensitive pockets. The focus is on ensuring smooth pedestrian movement, preventing choke points and responding quickly to medical or law-and-order contingencies during the mass gatherings.
Parking discipline has been flagged as a top priority, with cops determined to curb illegal parking that has already led to tens of thousands of prosecutions in recent weeks. Designated parking zones have been earmarked, and towing or penalties are likely against violators around event and shopping zones.
Traffic, parking and commuter impact
All vehicles heading towards Park Street will be permitted to halt only at pre-marked parking bays, with on-street violations facing swift action. For the Gita recital, visitors have been advised to use the Gangasagar grounds as the primary parking hub, with spillover allowed only after these slots are saturated.
Commuters and shoppers have been urged to factor in diversions, slower traffic and possible temporary closures near Brigade Parade Ground, central Kolkata arteries and popular Christmas hangouts. Use of public transport and early travel is likely to ease pressure during peak congregation hours.
Key points to track
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All-day special duty roster across central and south-central Kolkata.
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Large Gita recitation at Brigade Parade Ground expected to draw heavy crowds.
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Army bike rally and marathon to run through central Kolkata stretches.
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Crackdown on illegal parking; only designated slots near Park Street and event sites.
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Gangasagar grounds notified as core parking zone for Gita participants.
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Commuters advised to start early, prefer public transport and expect diversions.
Sources: The Times of India (Kolkata edition); BengalInfo.
