Guwahati,India,June 21 —
As the holy Ambubachi Mela at the revered Kamakhya Temple draws near, the Guwahati Traffic Police has rolled out a detailed traffic management and public safety plan aimed at ensuring smooth movement, reducing congestion, and safeguarding lakhs of devotees expected to attend this spiritual gathering. The restrictions and advisory measures will be in force from June 22 to June 25, 2025, during the peak days of the mela.
The Ambubachi Mela is one of the most significant annual religious events in Assam, attracting pilgrims from across India and abroad. With Kamakhya Temple perched atop the Nilachal Hills, the logistics of managing the massive footfall require extensive coordination. This year, the traffic police, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), have issued an exhaustive set of guidelines, road closures, diversion routes, and parking arrangements to manage the crowds and facilitate emergency access.
Restricted Access to Kamakhya Foothill
Only vehicles holding valid passes issued by the District Administration will be allowed to proceed towards the Kamakhya foothill. This measure is aimed at preventing congestion in the temple approach area and ensuring seamless access for emergency and service vehicles.
Essential services will continue without disruption. Ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, and those transporting oxygen cylinders will remain exempt from this restriction to maintain preparedness for any medical or emergency situations.
Ferry Car Movement Regulation
To prevent chaotic traffic near the Kamakhya Temple, vehicles with special Ferry Car Passes will be allowed to operate only between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. This limited movement window will help manage the flow of pilgrims during non-peak hours.
Additionally, the Pandu Port Road, which has typically served ferry cars, will now be repurposed exclusively as an emergency contingency route. It will no longer support routine ferry operations to ensure a clear and accessible passage for emergency response units.
Route Diversions for Pilgrims’ Drop-off
To streamline the movement of pilgrims and prevent bottlenecks, specific diversions have been planned:
Pilgrims coming from Jalukbari side must utilize the service lane of the Nilachal Flyover. They will be required to drop passengers at NF Railway HQ Gate No. 3, after which the vehicle should take a U-turn and proceed to designated parking zones such as Adabari Bus Stand or Boripara Field.
Those arriving from the Bharalumukh direction must also use the service lane of the Nilachal Flyover and drop pilgrims near Railway Gate No. 4, ensuring that the main road remains unobstructed for the smooth flow of other vehicles.
Guidelines for Bus Operations to minimize traffic snarls:
All ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation), City, and private buses will be required to ply exclusively over the Nilachal Flyover, completely avoiding the service lane.
No bus will be permitted to halt or drop off passengers at the end of the flyover, in an effort to prevent cluster congestion that might obstruct other vehicles and pedestrian movement.
This structured approach is designed to separate high-capacity vehicles from areas that typically experience high footfall during the Mela.
Designated Parking Zones for Devotees:
To accommodate the influx of pilgrims arriving by private and shared vehicles, authorities have designated multiple parking zones:
- Adabari Bus Stand
- Boripara Field
- ASTC Machkhowa Depot
- Sonaram High School Field
These areas will serve as safe and regulated parking zones for two-wheelers, light motor vehicles (LMVs), and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs).
The Guwahati Traffic Police has urged all devotees to strictly avoid roadside parking, particularly along key arteries such as:
- Pandu Port Road
- Borbazar Road
- Bharalumukh Elevator Corridor
- D.G. Road
- Nilachal Flyover
Such parking behavior not only disrupts traffic but also poses risks during emergency response efforts.
Restrictions on Commercial and Heavy Vehicles
Commercial vehicles, including goods carriers and slow-moving three-wheelers, will face movement restrictions between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM on several important city roads such as:
- MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road)
- AT Road (Assam Trunk Road)
- DG Road (Dinesh Goswami Road)
In addition, long-distance and inter-district buses, including those operated by ASTC, will be prohibited from entering these core city roads during the Mela period. This is a crucial step aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the central areas of the city and enhancing the ease of movement for pilgrims.
Special Protocols for Kamakhya Railway Station Arrivals
Recognizing that many devotees will arrive by train, a detailed drop-off plan has been outlined for buses reaching Kamakhya Railway Junction. These buses will be required to:
- Travel via PNG Road and D.G. Road
- Proceed directly to Pandu Port, which will function as a temporary camp drop-off location
- This route ensures the safety of incoming pilgrims and avoids adding pressure on the already burdened Nilachal Hill approach road.
Advisory for LGBI Airport Travelers
- Travelers heading to and from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI) during the Mela dates are strongly advised to:
- Plan their journey well in advance
- Use National Highway 27 (NH-27) to avoid traffic blocks or rerouted roads
- Given the likelihood of significant congestion in city areas near Kamakhya, proactive route planning is essential to avoid missing flights or facing unnecessary delays.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
In their official press release, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Guwahati, has urged all commuters, residents, and pilgrims to extend their full cooperation with the temporary restrictions and rerouting plans. These efforts are being made to ensure that emergency vehicles have uninterrupted passage, and that lakhs of devotees can participate in the Mela without encountering major logistical difficulties.
“We request the public to strictly follow all traffic advisories, use only designated parking spaces, and avoid restricted routes. These steps are necessary to make the Ambubachi Mela safe, orderly, and spiritually fulfilling for all,” the press note stated.
The Ambubachi Mela, steeped in spiritual significance, commemorates the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya and is symbolic of fertility and life. With pilgrims arriving in massive numbers every year, these special traffic arrangements will play a vital role in managing one of Northeast India’s largest and most unique religious congregations.
As the spiritual atmosphere builds around Kamakhya Hill, the comprehensive traffic management strategy by Guwahati authorities stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to ensuring safety, harmony, and accessibility for all during this auspicious occasion.
