With the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections heading towards the second and last phase, the Kolkata Police commissioner on Saturday issued a major traffic notification for the City of Joy.

Whether you’re heading out to vote or just trying to grab some essentials, here is your guide for roads to avoid and diversions to know for April 28, April 29 (poll day), and May 4 (counting day).

The ‘big vehicle’ ban

If you’re driving a goods vehicle, take a breather. All goods vehicles (unless they are on official election duty) are restricted from plying within the city between 05:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs on April 29 and May 4.

Areas with major restrictions

Certain zones are being turned into ‘Election Hubs’. The road behind Acropolis Mall and Gitanjali Stadium (between Icchepuran and Shantipally) will have one-way traffic.

April 28: west to east.

April 29 (poll day): east to west.

May 4: Restricted for all except election vehicles.

Alipore-Hastings zone

Judges Court Road and Alipore Road: Massive diversions for east-bound and north-bound traffic.

Auckland Road: Complete ‘No Entry’ from both ends (except for election vehicles).

Central and South Kolkata

Hazra Crossing: Forget heading west; you’ll be diverted north or south along SP Mukherjee Road.

Lord Sinha Road: Expect closures as needed.

Esplanade Row (West): Closed to vehicular traffic.

Bus and auto route changes

Your daily commute might have a new ‘scenic route’.

Route 47B: The Dhanmath stand is closed. Buses will take a U-turn from Ruby Crossing on April 28 and 29, and May 4.

DH Road: The auto stand near Vivekananda College has shifted to the western flank near Reliance Trends.

SD 4 and SD 4/1 bus stands have been shifted close to Swadesh Basu Hospital.

No-parking zones

The police are strictly enforcing ‘No Parking’ on dozens of streets to keep the lanes clear for election vehicle movement.

Avoid parking your vehicles on these roads:

Ballygunge Circular Road (between Phari and Gurusaday Road)

Sarat Bose Road (Hazra to Rowland Row)

Ritchie Road, Beltala Road, and Dover Road

Strand Road

Tip for counting day

On the big day (May 4), DH Road and Raja SC Mallick Road will be under heavy regulation. North-bound vehicles on the DH Road will likely be diverted from Ekbalpore. If you can avoid these arterial stretches between 5 am and 10 pm, it is better.

As advised, plan for extra travel time, keep an eye out for ‘Diversion’ boards, and when in doubt, follow the instructions of the on-duty Kolkata Traffic Police personnel.