Rathyatra route retained; govt convoy diverted to ease Kalupur congestion

With the 148th annual Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath approaching, the Ahmedabad Police and civic authorities are gearing up to ensure seamless movement and security throughout the traditional procession route. Amid preparations, the Kalupur railway station stretch has emerged as a focal point due to ongoing flyover construction.

In recent weeks, deliberations were held between temple trustees, police officials, and civic authorities regarding a potential alteration to the historic route near Kalupur. The proposal to change the path was met with disagreement and logistical challenges, leading to a collective decision to retain the traditional route.

To accommodate the Rath’s movement, Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will undertake temporary road clearance measures, including removal of median kerbstones and railings, relocation of two trees, and patchwork with bituminous material. These changes will ensure a smoother path for the procession.

Govt convoys diverted

However, based on an assessment by the traffic analytics team, congestion is still anticipated around Kalupur railway station owing to heavy footfall and narrowed road space.

As a result, authorities have decided that all government and escort vehicles accompanying the procession will be diverted to alternate routes, bypassing the Kalupur stretch entirely. This step, officials said, is aimed at decongesting the area and ensuring a steady flow for the Rath and accompanying devotees.

“The decision has been taken to ensure that the rathyatra proceeds unhindered along its traditional route. Government vehicles will take a different path, while the Rath and devotees will continue on the historical alignment,” a senior police official of the traffic department.

The decision was reached following a site inspection on May 18. According to a statement from Ahmedabad Police, “As construction of a new flyover near Kalupur railway station is underway, the Rath will proceed from Panch Kuva Darwaja towards Kalupur on Reid Road, shift to the opposite side of the station (Kalupur to Sarangpur road), and rejoin the route near Moti Mahal Restaurant at Railway Work Pier No 24.”

To make this arrangement work, various agencies have been assigned specific responsibilities:

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)

Demolish median kerbstones and railings temporarily for the day.

Relocate two trees obstructing the path.

Undertake road repair and patching with bitumen for smooth movement.

Ahmedabad City Police

Officially declare the modified vehicle route.

Coordinate and supervise the opening of road diversions specifically for Rathyatra Day.

Deploy ground staff along the identified 200-metre stretch and across the route.

DRAIPL (Infrastructure Contractor)

Remove construction materials from the site.

Clear internal work zones.

Ensure the surface is fit for the Rath movement.

Deploy site personnel to manage operations on the day.

The Kalupur road diversion will be operational only on the day of the procession, following a tightly coordinated effort among all concerned agencies. Despite infrastructural constraints, officials are confident that the rathyatra will proceed smoothly along its traditional route, maintaining the sanctity and continuity of the 148-year-old tradition.