Kolkata Police issues traffic advisory ahead of historic oath ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground; what travellers need to know

May 9, 2026 is going to be a historical day in Indian politics. In a recent update, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal’s first BJP-led government at Kolkata’s iconic Brigade Parade Ground. The city is all set to welcome its new CM by getting ready for one of its biggest security and traffic operations in years. To make sure everything goes peacefully, Kolkata Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory.The oath-taking ceremony Commuters and travellers have been advised to expect diversions, traffic congestion, and movement restrictions across the city through the day. Authorities are anticipating over a lakh spectators and supporters for the oath-taking ceremony, which will see the presence of several top political leaders from across India. Extensive security arrangements are also being put in place for the event.The official website of Kolkata Police writes: Movement of Vehicular Traffic will be regulated on the following roads on the day (09.05.2026), as and when considered necessary.(i) Esplanade Ramp(ii) K.P. Road.(iii) Hospital Road(iv) Lovers Lane(v) Casuarina Avenue(vi) QueenswayThe ceremony is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday. It also coincides with Rabindra Jayanti celebrations, adding to the more public turnout, making it one of the most high-profile political gatherings in the country.As per reports, more than 4,000 police personnel and central forces have been deployed around the Maidan and Brigade Parade Ground. Authorities are braced to manage an estimated crowd between 10 and 11 lakh.What it means for travellersThis means those heading to the airport, railway stations, bus stations, hotels in central Kolkata or planning to explore any popular tourist attractions in the city, the advisory could mean significantly longer travel times.Travellers arriving in Kolkata this weekend are being advised to depend more on Metro services, because road blocks in central regions. Visitors heading towards tourist hotspots such as Victoria Memorial, Park Street and the Maidan region may face restricted vehicle access at various points during the day.Kolkata Police notification further reads:Movement of all types of Goods Vehicles (except vehicle carrying LPG Cylinders only,CNG, Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants, Oxygen, Vegetable, Medicine, Fruits, Fish & Milk) will berestricted within the city (Kolkata Police jurisdiction) from 04.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs on 09.05.2026 in view of the above programme.Vehicles of all descriptions will not be allowed to park at the following thoroughfares/roadson the day (09.05.2026). In and around Victoria Memorial Hall, i.e. portion of AJC Bose Road between Hastings crossing and Cathedral Road, Khidderpore Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Cathedral Road, Casuarina Avenue, Lovers Lane etc.Movement of Vehicles of all descriptions and Carts of all descriptions including Tram Cars are likely to be temporarily suspended or diverted or not allowed to be parked on the roads and approaches along the line of route of the processions as well as the line of route of the VVIP from 04.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs or as and when considered necessary on the day (09.05.2026).Vehicular traffic may also be diverted from any of the arterial roads and feeder roads by the Traffic Police on duty as and when considered necessary, according to the above programme.For tourists and residents alike, Saturday is expected to be a busy day in Kolkata.