What caused the traffic chaos in Kolkata before Diwali?

The shops in central Kolkata, including the Burrabazar-Posta area, spread out their wares for Dhantears, leading to heavy congestion on the roads.

How did the police respond to the Diwali market crowds in Kolkata?

The police shut down Kalakar Street and regulated traffic on major roads like Canning Street and Rabindra Sarani to accommodate the Diwali market crowds.

Which areas of Kolkata were most affected by the traffic jams?

The Burrabazar-Posta area, Girish Park, Maniktala, and parts of Bhowanipore in central Kolkata experienced the worst congestion, while the Sealdah-Amherst Street area also saw disruptions due to pandals and barricades.

Home / Lifestyle / Diwali Shopping Frenzy Clogs Central Kolkata, Disrupts Commute

Diwali Shopping Frenzy Clogs Central Kolkata, Disrupts Commute

18 Oct

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Summary

Shops spilled onto streets in central Kolkata for Dhanteras
Police shut down Kalakar Street, regulated traffic on major roads
Traffic jams and longer commute times reported across central Kolkata

Diwali Shopping Frenzy Clogs Central Kolkata, Disrupts Commute

In the lead-up to Diwali on October 18, 2025, a significant portion of central Kolkata, including the Burrabazar-Posta area, Girish Park, Maniktala, and parts of Bhowanipore, experienced heavy congestion as shops spilled out onto the streets to observe Dhanteras. The scene improved dramatically in the evening, especially in south Kolkata, which does not have major markets nearby.

To accommodate the Diwali market crowds, the police shut down Kalakar Street and regulated traffic on key roads like Canning Street, Pollock Street, and Rabindra Sarani. However, this led to increased pressure on nearby roads, such as CR Avenue, where a cave-in near Islamia Hospital further compounded the problem. The traffic jams were not limited to the trading hubs, as the Sealdah-Amherst Street area also saw disruptions due to pandals and barricades encroaching on the roads.