Bhubaneswar parks get new timings; no afternoon break on weekends

In a move aimed at boosting public convenience and recreational activity, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has revised the operating hours of all its parks, allowing uninterrupted access on weekends starting December 13. The decision follows sustained requests from morning walkers, joggers, fitness groups, and families who frequent the city’s green spaces.

Under the new schedule, all BDA-managed parks will remain open from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, eliminating the afternoon closure that was previously in place. Officials said the initiative is expected to encourage more outdoor engagement among residents, particularly during weekends when footfall remains high.

The BDA has further clarified that Indira Gandhi (IG) Park will adopt extended timings throughout the week, staying open from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM every day. Weekday timings for the other parks, however, will continue as before, open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Updated signage reflecting the new schedule will be installed at park entrances shortly.

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the change is intended to enhance the recreational experience for citizens. He urged visitors to maintain cleanliness and adhere to park rules to ensure a pleasant environment for all.

The Authority currently manages 50 major parks across the city, including IG Park, Biju Patnaik Park, APJ Abdul Kalam Park, Madhusudan Das Park, Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Park, and Buddha Jayanti Park. Collectively, these parks draw nearly 35,000 visitors daily.

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In addition to the revised timings, the BDA has undertaken maintenance and repainting of play equipment in several parks to improve safety and enhance visitor comfort.