Bengaluru is set to witness extensive traffic restrictions and diversions on Wednesday as preparations are completed for the swearing-in ceremony of D. K. Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4:05 p.m. at Lok Bhavan's Glass House, where Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will administer the oath of office and secrecy. The event is expected to draw senior political leaders, government officials, dignitaries, and large crowds, prompting authorities to implement extensive traffic management measures across the city's Central Business District.
According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police, special traffic arrangements will remain in force between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. to ensure smooth movement around the venue. Several major roads leading to Lok Bhavan and surrounding government offices will be closed to regular traffic, with access restricted to officially authorized vehicles. Key stretches affected include parts of Cubbon Road, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Road, Race Course Road, Queens Road, and St. Mark's Road. Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the area if possible and plan their travel in advance to minimize delays.
To reduce congestion, traffic police have announced a series of alternative routes for motorists traveling through central Bengaluru. Vehicles approaching from Cubbon Road, Queens Road, KR Circle, Halasuru, Old Airport Road, and other major corridors will be redirected through designated diversion routes, including Cunningham Road, Shivajinagar, Nrupathunga Road, Vasanthanagar, and Hebbal. Traffic officials have stated that signboards and personnel will be deployed at major junctions to guide commuters and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the day.
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Parking restrictions have also been imposed across a large section of central Bengaluru. No-parking zones will be enforced on roads surrounding Lok Bhavan and several adjoining areas, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Road, Palace Road, Race Course Road, Kasturba Road, Nrupathunga Road, Queens Road, Cubbon Road, and numerous internal roads within Cubbon Park. Officials warned that vehicles parked in restricted areas may be towed away to prevent disruptions during the high-profile event.
In addition to restrictions on private vehicles, the movement of heavy commercial vehicles within Bengaluru city limits has been prohibited between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. on June 3. Traffic authorities said the temporary measure is intended to reduce congestion and facilitate the movement of VVIP convoys, emergency services, and event-related transportation. Public transport services are expected to continue operating, although commuters may experience delays in some parts of the city due to increased traffic volume and diversions.
Shivakumar's swearing-in marks a significant political development in Karnataka following his election as leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30. With thousands of attendees expected at the ceremony, authorities have urged residents to cooperate with traffic regulations and use alternative routes wherever possible. Bengaluru Traffic Police have also advised commuters to follow official updates and real-time traffic advisories throughout the day to avoid inconvenience and ensure smoother travel across the city.
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