A march led by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from Golpark to the Jadavpur 8B bus stand is expected to disrupt traffic across south Kolkata on Wednesday, September 9, with the southbound flank of Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road scheduled to remain closed during the rally.
The Saffron Honour March is due to begin at 4pm, while BJP supporters are expected to start gathering at Golpark from 2pm. Police sources cited by The Telegraph said around 10,000 people were expected to attend, although BJP sources indicated that the turnout could be higher.
The march is being organised to “protect the dignity of the colour saffron” and protest against those who are “trying to malign it”, a BJP leader was quoted as saying. The planned route runs from Golpark along Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road to the Jadavpur 8B bus stand.
Kolkata Police officers said the southbound flank of Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road would be closed for the rally. Buses and autorickshaws operating along the route have been asked to take alternative roads while the closure remains in force.
Traffic will be diverted through Rashbehari Avenue and Southern Avenue, according to the police. Officers said the northbound flank of Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road would remain open, but managing traffic could become difficult if the attendance reaches about 10,000 or exceeds that estimate.
The disruption may extend beyond the immediate march route. Police indicated that congestion could affect areas as far south as Garia and Baghajatin, while traffic moving northwards towards Gariahat could also face delays. The impact is expected to depend on the size of the crowd, the duration of the road closure and the ability of diverted traffic to move through Rashbehari Avenue and Southern Avenue.
Jadavpur University has also announced restrictions linked to the march. An official circular issued on Tuesday said that gates 2, 3, 4 and 5 along the road would remain closed from 4pm. The closures are expected to affect access to the university from the side of the rally route during the evening period.
The traffic arrangements apply to the period during which the procession occupies or affects Raja Subodh Chandra Mullick Road. Police officers have advised buses and autorickshaws using the route to follow the announced diversions. The march is scheduled to end at the Jadavpur 8B bus stand, where the procession will conclude according to the event plan.
