The second ODI match between India and England is happening at the Barabati Stadium today, and it's going to be a big one. To make sure everything runs smoothly – both for the players' security and for everyone trying to get around – the Commissionerate Police has released a detailed traffic and parking plan. Think of it as your roadmap to navigate the cricket craze!
Traffic Advisory (8 AM until the crowds disperse after the match):
These rules will be in effect from 8 AM on match day and will stay in place until the crowds have cleared out after the game, or the game is over. So be prepared!
- Ring Road Diversion: If you're coming from Mata Matha on the Ring Road, you'll be turned right at Gada (before Gadagadia Temple). Park your vehicles at the Lower Bali Yatra Ground. If you have a special car pass, you can turn left at Bamboo Depo Gada and park at the Upper Bali Yatra Ground.
- Howrah Motor/Mani Sahoo Chhak: No going towards Madhusudan Square from Grinnar Hotel Chhak. Use the Ring Road via Old Law hostel gada and park at Lower Bali Yatra Ground.
- Biju Patnaik/Chandi Chhak: Only two-wheelers can go towards the stadium. All other vehicles, park near Dayashram.
- Biju Patnaik Chhak/Madhusudan Nagar: Park near Ananda Bhawan Chhak or Christian Padia. No vehicles can go towards Bali Yatra Ground from Ananda Bhawan Chhak via Killa Fort.
- Deer Park/Madhusudan Nagar (via Ring Road): You'll be diverted at Kartikeswar Gada. Park at Lower Bali Yatra ground.
- Samaj Office Side: No going towards Madhusudan Square. Turn at Hanuman Temple Chhak and park at Christian Padia via Chandi Chhak.
- OCA Pass Holders: Head towards YMCA crossing and park at the OCA ground through Gate No. 01 of the stadium.
- Reserve Police Line: No entry towards the stadium from OPA Chhak.
- Madhusudan Statue Chhak: No vehicles allowed towards the stadium.
- Lions Eye Hospital Chhak: No vehicles towards the stadium via Kill Khana. Head towards the parking area via Kala Vikash Kendra.
- Heavy Vehicles Banned: No heavy vehicles on the Mahanadi and Kathajodi ring roads, or inside the city, from 8 AM to 2 AM.
Parking, Parking, Parking! Finding the correct place for parking is essential.
Parking cheat sheet:
- Mata Matha (via Ring Road): Lower Bali Yatra Ground.
- Howrah Motor/Mani Sahu Chhak: Ring Road route to Lower Bali Yatra Ground.
- Chhata Chhak: Lower Bali Yatra ground via Kartikeswar Gada.
- Kanika/Biju Patnaik/Madhusudan Nagar Chhak: Ananda Bhawan Ground.
- Two-Wheelers (Chandi Chhak/Kala Vikash Kendra): Ground near Dayashram.
- OCA Parking Pass: Madhusudan Statue route to OCA ground (Gate No. 1).
- Xavier Ground Pass: Bamboo Depot route to Xavier Ground (Gate No. 14).
- Cantonment/Mataha Matha Pass Holders: Upper Bali Yatra ground.
If you're heading to the match, or even just driving around Cuttack on Sunday, plan your route carefully. These restrictions are in place to keep things safe and organised, but will definitely change how traffic flows. Give yourself extra time, follow the directions of the traffic police, and most importantly, enjoy the cricket. It is a big day for Cuttack and everyone there.
