The Ahmedabad City Police and the Traffic Police ensured a seamless and secure Bhadrakali Yatra by deploying a total of 1,050 police personnel on Wednesday morning. The grand procession, held for the first time in 614 years of the founding of Ahmedabad, commenced from the Bhadrakali temple at Teen Darwaza and covered a 6-km route with a massive turnout of devotees.  

To maintain law and order, the police force stationed heavily armed units at key locations along the route. The procession was escorted by six police vehicles, with 33 additional vehicles following the chariot, which carried the revered Paduka (footwear) of Maa Bhadrakali. More than 3,000 devotees participated, accompanied by cultural performances and religious rituals.

Police ensure uninterrupted traffic flow 

Traffic movement remained largely undisturbed throughout the event. The entire stretch was cleared in advance, and security personnel were deployed at every major intersection to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles. Authorities implemented temporary stoppages only when the procession passed through an area, allowing commuters to resume travel immediately afterward.  

Niraj Badgujar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Sector-1), stated, “We had already taken all necessary precautions to ensure the event proceeded smoothly without any chaos. Our teams were deployed early in the morning, with special units monitoring the entire procession. Everything went according to plan.”

To facilitate traffic management, 160 traffic personnel, including one Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), and several officers, were stationed along the procession route.  

N N Chaudhari, JCP (Traffic), added, “Our officials were present throughout the event to oversee traffic arrangements. Even after the procession had moved ahead, our teams stayed back to ensure smooth vehicular movement.”

Grand welcome at temples and community participation 

The Nagar Yatra, marking Ahmedabad’s foundation day, was met with grand celebrations across the city. Starting from Teen Darwaza, the chariot carrying Maa Bhadrakali’s Paduka made stops at historic temples such as Jagannath Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple, where special aartis and prayers were conducted.  

A highlight of the event was the Sabarmati River Aarti at the Riverfront, drawing large crowds. The Muslim residents of Jamalpur also warmly welcomed the yatra, showcasing the city’s spirit of communal harmony.  

Temporary traffic restrictions and alternate routes

To accommodate the procession, authorities imposed traffic restrictions on key roads, including:  

- Teen Darwaza to Manek Chowk 

- Jagannath Temple to Mahalaxmi Temple 

- Lal Darwaza, Apna Bazaar, and Siddi Syed's Jali  

However, alternate routes were provided to minimise inconvenience to commuters. Traffic was diverted through Nehru Bridge, Raipur Darwaza, and Sardar Bridge, ensuring smooth movement for the public.  

Historic event 

As Ahmedabad witnessed this historic procession after more than six centuries, citizens gathered in large numbers to participate in the celebrations. The meticulous planning by the authorities ensured that the religious, cultural, and logistical aspects of the event proceeded without disruption.  

The Bhadrakali Yatra has now cemented itself as a landmark event, blending history, devotion, and civic cooperation in the heart of Gujarat’s largest city.