Kolkata traffic advisory: Major restrictions, diversions, road closures announced for counting day near strongroom centres
The Statesman | 4 May 2026
The city of Kolkata is preparing for a tightly controlled traffic system on Monday as the counting of votes begins and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) boxes are opened at designated strongroom centres. To manage security and avoid congestion, the city police have announced a wide set of restrictions and diversions that will remain in force from 5 am to 10 pm around key counting locations.
A major focus of restrictions will be around Judges Court Road and its connecting points. East-bound traffic from Judges Court Road and the Alipore Road crossing will not be allowed during the restriction hours.
In addition, vehicles moving north and south from Judges Court Road towards Baker Road will also face restrictions.
The movement plan has been designed to ensure that election-related transport remains uninterrupted.
Vehicles linked to the counting process for the Hastings House Complex will be allowed entry only through Judges Court Road, while exit will be routed through Alipore Road.
On the other hand, vehicles travelling north on Alipore Road may be diverted through Chetla Central Road and the Alipore Road crossing to ease pressure in the area.
The police have set a controlled entry system for Auckland Road. Election vehicles will enter through the All India Radio side and exit via Strand Road. This stretch will remain a no-entry zone from both ends, except for election-related vehicles and justice-related movement.
Strand Road itself may be closed for general traffic between Auckland Road and the Kiran Shankar Roy Road crossing whenever required.
Similarly, Lord Sinha Road may also be shut temporarily, except for election vehicles and property line vehicles.
An additional change has been made near Diamond Harbour Road, where the auto stand close to Vivekananda College will be shifted to the western side of the road near Reliance Trends.
The traffic police have also identified several roads where movement may be restricted on May 4, depending on real-time requirements. These roads will remain open only for property line vehicles if allowed:
Ballygunge Circular Road (between Ballygunge Phari and Gurusaday Road), Ritchie Road, Sarat Bose Road (between Hazra Road and Rowland Row), Beltala Road, Palit Street, Paddapukur Road, Lovelock Place, Chakraberia Road, Dover Road, Deodar Street, and Lord Sinha Road.
The no-parking list includes JL Nehru Road (between Shakespeare Sarani and AJC Bose Road), Camac Street (from Pretoria Extension to Shakespeare Sarani crossing), and stretches along Diamond Harbour Road between Ekbalpore Road and Kidderpore Road crossings.
Strand Road, Esplanade Row (West), and the Ganga Sagar Mela Complex area will also remain under strict parking restrictions.
Around all counting centres, only official election vehicles will be permitted to park in nearby areas.