Kolkata is preparing for the grand celebrations of Durga Puja 2026, when thousands of devotees and tourists visit the city to experience its famous pandals, cultural programmes and festive atmosphere. However, heavy crowds, traffic diversions and late-night travel can make moving around the city challenging.
Visitors planning to celebrate Durga Puja in Kolkata should understand the expected traffic restrictions, public transport arrangements, emergency assistance facilities and essential safety measures before beginning their pandal-hopping journey.
1. Traffic Restrictions and Road Diversions During Durga Puja
Kolkata Police typically introduce special traffic arrangements during the main days of Durga Puja, particularly from Saptami to Dashami. Several roads may become one-way routes or pedestrian-only zones, with restrictions generally expected during busy evening and nighttime hours.
Major roads, including Central Avenue, Rashbehari Avenue, Gariahat Road and Shyambazar Five-Point Crossing, may experience diversions and vehicle restrictions near popular pandals.
Traffic regulation is also important along busy routes such as E.M. Bypass, AJC Bose Road Flyover and Diamond Harbour Road. Visitors travelling by private vehicles should allow extra time for their journeys and check the latest traffic advisories before leaving.
Since restrictions can change according to crowd conditions, travellers should follow instructions issued by Kolkata Police rather than relying entirely on previously published routes or timings.
2. Police Deployment and Emergency Assistance Facilities
Managing large crowds is a major priority during Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations. The supplied advisory refers to the deployment of more than 20,000 police personnel, supported by radio patrol vehicles and Quick Response Teams (QRTs).
Police assistance booths, medical kiosks and missing-child desks are expected to be important support points in crowded areas, including Park Circus, Chetla, North Kolkata and Gariahat.
Visitors should identify nearby assistance points when entering busy pandal zones. Families travelling with children should also establish a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated from the group.
Keeping emergency contact details readily accessible can make it easier to seek help when required.
3. Cabs, Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws: What Travellers Should Expect
App-based cabs, traditional yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws remain useful for travelling around Kolkata during Durga Puja. However, access to major pandals may be restricted because of crowd-control measures and road closures.
Passengers may need to get down at designated drop-off points and walk to their destinations. Depending on the location, this could mean walking several hundred metres or more.
Uber and Ola fares may increase during peak demand, particularly in the evening and late at night. Travellers should check fares before booking and account for additional walking time.
Auto-rickshaws generally operate along established routes, but services may be disrupted on narrow or heavily crowded roads. Passengers should confirm the fare and destination before starting their journey rather than assuming that a fixed festive fare applies everywhere.
5. Flight and Train Travel Advisory for Durga Puja
Durga Puja attracts large numbers of visitors, making advance planning important for people travelling to and from Kolkata.
Train travel: Passengers using Howrah and Sealdah stations should check railway announcements for any special suburban services, including late-night trains. The availability and timings of special services should be confirmed through official railway updates. Travellers can also check the UTS app for applicable local and suburban ticketing options.
Air travel: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport may experience increased passenger movement during the festive period. Travellers should book flights early where possible and leave sufficient time to reach the airport.
A journey from South or Central Kolkata could take longer than usual because of traffic diversions and crowd-related delays. The advisory suggests allowing at least 2.5 hours for the journey to the airport from these areas, although the actual travel time will depend on the starting point, traffic conditions and route restrictions.
Passengers should check live traffic updates and confirm their airline’s reporting requirements before departure.
6. Essential Safety Tips for Women Visiting Durga Puja Pandals
Women visiting crowded pandals should take a few precautions to make their festive outings safer and more comfortable.
- Look for police assistance: Women police personnel and dedicated patrol teams may be deployed in crowded pandal areas and public transport hubs.
- Save emergency numbers: Keep important contacts accessible, including 112 for emergency assistance and 1091 for the women’s helpline, where available. The advisory also lists the Kolkata Police WhatsApp helpline at 9830088888; verify its current availability before relying on it.
- Prefer well-lit routes: Use busy, well-lit main roads when travelling at night and avoid isolated shortcuts.
- Stay connected: When visiting with friends or family, agree on a meeting point and inform someone about your travel plans.
- Keep your phone charged: Carry a charged phone and, if possible, a power bank for navigation, bookings and emergency communication.
- Plan your return journey: Check the last metro or train timings in advance and identify an alternative transport option.
Visitors should follow official police instructions and seek assistance promptly if they feel unsafe or need medical support.
