Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of Muharram processions scheduled across parts of the city on Friday, June 26. Temporary traffic diversions and movement restrictions will be in place between 11:00 am and 5:30 pm within the jurisdiction of the Ashok Nagar Traffic Police Station to facilitate the religious procession and ensure public safety.

Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel in advance, follow diversion signs, and use alternate routes to avoid delays, particularly in central Bengaluru where traffic congestion is expected during the festival.

Diversions to remain in force for over six hours

According to the traffic advisory, several important roads in the Central Business District (CBD) will witness restrictions as Muharram processions pass through designated routes.

Motorists travelling towards Hosur Road via Brigade Road and Richmond Road through Vellara Junction will not be allowed to continue on the usual route during the specified hours.

Instead, vehicles will be diverted at Old P.S. Junction, where commuters will have to take a left turn and proceed through Wood Street, Tate Lane, and Richmond Road before reaching Richmond Junction. From there, vehicles can continue via Shantinagar Junction, Langford Road, Nanjappa Junction, and CMP Junction to reach Hosur Road.

Traffic police said these diversions have been planned to minimise disruption while ensuring the smooth movement of the Muharram procession.

Vehicles from Adugodi side also affected

Apart from restrictions in the Brigade Road and Richmond Road stretch, motorists approaching the city from the Adugodi side will also encounter diversions.

Vehicles travelling towards the central parts of Bengaluru will be diverted at Cemetery Cross near Anepalya Junction to reduce congestion near the procession route.

Traffic officials have advised commuters travelling through this corridor to leave early and expect additional travel time during the afternoon.

Alternate routes suggested by traffic police

To help motorists avoid heavily congested areas, Bengaluru Traffic Police have recommended several alternate routes during the diversion period.

These include:

  • Berlie Street
  • Langford Road
  • Nanjappa Circle
  • Shantinagar
  • Rhenius Street connecting to Richmond Road

Officials said these roads are expected to handle diverted traffic more efficiently and reduce bottlenecks near the procession route.

Commuters are encouraged to use navigation applications and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel deployed at major junctions.

Separate arrangements for heavy vehicles

The advisory also includes special traffic arrangements for trucks and other heavy vehicles.

Heavy vehicles approaching from the Hosur Road side will not be permitted to travel through the restricted corridor. Instead, they will be diverted via:

  • Adugodi Junction
  • MICO Junction
  • 8th Main Road
  • Wilson Garden Main Road
  • Siddaiah Road

This diversion has been planned to keep heavy traffic away from areas witnessing large gatherings of devotees.

Traffic police said the arrangement would help ensure the safe movement of both pedestrians and vehicles during the religious event.

Police urge commuters to cooperate

With thousands of devotees expected to participate in Muharram processions, Bengaluru Traffic Police have appealed to the public to cooperate with officials and strictly follow diversion instructions.

Motorists have been requested not to park vehicles along the procession routes and to obey directions issued by police personnel deployed on the ground.

Authorities have also advised commuters to use public transport wherever possible, as parking availability in affected areas is likely to be limited.

Congestion expected in central Bengaluru

Traffic movement is expected to be significantly slower around several prominent locations, including:

  • Brigade Road
  • Richmond Road
  • Vellara Junction
  • Shoolay Circle
  • Shantinagar
  • Langford Road
  • Hosur Road approach

Office-goers, shoppers and residents travelling through these areas have been advised to schedule their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police said the temporary restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety and the peaceful conduct of Muharram processions. Officials added that normal traffic movement is expected to resume after 5:30 pm once the religious events conclude and roads are cleared.

Conclusion

With Muharram processions set to attract large crowds across Bengaluru, traffic diversions are expected to affect several key roads in the city on Friday. Commuters are advised to follow official traffic updates, use alternate routes and allow extra travel time. The police have assured that adequate personnel will be deployed to manage traffic and restore normal movement as quickly as possible after the processions conclude.