Ama Bus Photograph: (OTV)
The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has announced special Ama Bus schedules and route restrictions for Durga Puja in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Berhampur, in coordination with Commissionerate Police traffic regulations.
The measures, effective between September 27 and October 2, are aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smooth movement for commuters during the festive rush.
Capital Region Restrictions
In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, buses will operate between 05:00 AM and 04:35 PM. No services will run beyond this timing.
Commissionerate Police has restricted the entry of heavy vehicles into core city areas, including key routes such as Rasulgarh–Lingipur, Vani Vihar–Sishu Bhawan, Acharya Vihar–Airport, and Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan. Buses from Puri to Baramunda are being diverted at Lingipur towards Hi-Tech Square via Kesora and Pandra, while return trips will follow the same route.
Rourkela Schedule
In Rourkela, Ama Bus services will start at 05:30 AM and continue until 08:05 PM. The extended evening operations are intended to accommodate heavy footfall at puja pandals across the city.
Berhampur Schedule
In Berhampur, services will be available from 05:50 AM to 04:05 PM. CRUT officials confirmed that the curtailed evening services are designed to decongest city roads near pandals, where maximum crowding is expected.
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Traffic Diversions and Heavy Vehicle Ban
Alongside bus restrictions, the Commissionerate Police has barred heavy vehicles from plying between 2:00 PM and 2:00 AM on major city stretches in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Heavy vehicles bound for Khurda and Cuttack are being diverted via Pitapalli, Balikuda, Chandaka, and Baranga.
CRUT has advised passengers to check the revised timings before planning travel.