Kolkata Republic Day 2026 Traffic Advisory: Plan Ahead for Major Disruptions
Kolkata Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for Republic Day 2026. The city will experience significant road closures and diversions on both January 24 and January 26. Authorities aim to ensure smooth conduct of the parade and its rehearsal.
Full Dress Rehearsal on January 24: Key Restrictions
The final dress rehearsal occurs on January 24. Vehicular traffic faces closures from 6:30 AM to 12:00 noon in the Kolkata Maidan and adjoining areas.
Closed roads include:
- Hospital Road
- Lovers Lane
- Queensway
- Casuarina Avenue
- Plassey Gate Road
- Khidderpore Road
- Red Road
- Gosthapal Sarani
- R.R. Avenue (southern flank) between Government Place East and Government Place West
Goods vehicles cannot ply on St. George’s Gate Road, Strand Road, and approach roads to the parade during military movements. B.B.D. Bag–bound traffic will divert via specified routes.
Republic Day Parade on January 26: Extensive Closures
January 26 brings more extensive regulations. Red Road closes to all vehicles from 10:00 PM on January 25 until the parade concludes.
From 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM, goods vehicle movement restricts along:
- A.J.C. Bose Road towards south from Moulali crossing
- St. George’s Gate Road
- Strand Road up to Raja Woodmunt Street
- C.R. Avenue from G.C. Avenue towards south
- J.L. Nehru Road in both directions
Guru Nanak Sarani (Mayo Road) remains closed to all traffic except cars with special parade stickers from 5:30 AM.
Additional Road Closures and Parking Rules
Several other roads close from 5:30 AM until the parade ends on January 26. These include Hospital Road East and West, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue, and others.
Parking prohibits on multiple roads from 5:30 AM, such as R.R. Avenue, Chowringhee Road, J.L. Nehru Road, and Cathedral Road. However, parking allows on the western side of Chowringhee Road between AJC Bose Road and Shakespeare Sarani for personal vehicles.
Only parade participant vehicles gain entry through Queensway from its crossing with Cathedral Road. New Road will reverse direction to facilitate CBT vehicle drain out.
Public Transport Adjustments
WBTC Buses remain available at their Esplanade depot via R R Avenue. On parade day, the bus stand on the eastern side of Strand Road at Eden Gardens shifts to the western side opposite the Band Stand from 5:30 AM to 1 PM.
Kolkata Police notes that traffic police may divert vehicles from arterial and feeder roads as necessary. Commuters should plan accordingly and follow official updates.
