Udupi: The district administration has announced traffic restrictions in view of the grand procession marking the conclusion of the Udupi-Uchila Dasara 2026 celebrations at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila on October 21.
According to an order issued by the deputy commissioner’s office, the restrictions will be enforced to manage the expected influx of devotees and ensure the smooth conduct of the procession and religious programmes.
The celebrations, which began on October 11, will conclude on October 21, with large crowds expected to gather in Uchila for the final-day events.
Heavy vehicles to be diverted
Heavy vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru will be diverted via the Katapady-Shirva-Belman-Padubidri route from 3 pm to 11 pm on October 21.
Heavy vehicles will not be permitted on the Mangaluru-Udupi route during this period. Traffic movement on National Highway 66 and connecting roads in the Uchila area will be regulated to prevent congestion.
Vehicles travelling from Udupi towards Mangaluru International Airport at Bajpe will be diverted via the Katapady-Shirva-Belman-Mundkur route.
Parking and bus travel advisories
Trucks, tankers and other heavy vehicles have been advised to remain parked in designated truck bays in Kundapur and Udupi until 9 pm before resuming their journeys.
Night service buses travelling to Bengaluru have also been advised to depart from Udupi after 9 pm to avoid traffic congestion caused by the procession and related celebrations.
Motorists travelling through the area have been asked to plan their journeys in advance and account for possible delays during the restriction period.
Police deployment and public advisory
Police personnel will be deployed at key locations to regulate vehicle movement, enforce diversions and ensure the safety of devotees attending the celebrations.
The district administration has directed the police, transport authorities and other concerned departments to take the necessary steps to implement the traffic arrangements.
Commuters and motorists have been urged to cooperate with the authorities, follow the instructions issued by traffic personnel and use the prescribed alternative routes wherever necessary.
The restrictions are intended to facilitate the orderly conduct of the concluding-day procession and reduce inconvenience to devotees and other road users. Those travelling between Udupi, Mangaluru and Bajpe on October 21 are advised to plan their trips around the notified timings.