Gaya: In view of the expected arrival of pilgrims in large numbers from across the country and abroad during the Pitripaksh mela from Sept 25 to Oct 10, the district administration has prepared a special traffic plan for Bodh Gaya.According to a press release issued by the information and public relations department (IPRD), the plan includes restrictions on heavy vehicles, no-entry zones, traffic diversions, barricading and designated parking areas around the World Heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara, Kalchakra Ground, located around 200 metres northwest of the shrine, and adjoining areas.Entry of heavy vehicles towards the Mahavihara and Kalchakra Ground from Node-I will remain prohibited. Vehicles without valid passes will also not be allowed to proceed towards the Mahavihara from SBI Mor or Verma Mor.Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to proceed towards Bodh Gaya from Rajapur Mor. However, vehicles required to cross the Niranjana river towards Sujatagarh will be allowed to proceed from Pachhatti Mor.Alternative routes will be opened for devotees and local residents during VIP movements or when special traffic restrictions are imposed.With annual Buddhist events also underway in Bodh Gaya, entry of all vehicles from Embassy Mor and Verma Mor towards the Mahavihara and Kalchakra Ground will remain restricted during events at the heritage shrine.The stretch between Embassy Mor and Verma Mor has been declared a no-parking zone. Vehicles will have to be parked only in designated parking areas. Barricades and traffic-control points will be set up at several locations, including Verma Mor, Children’s Park, Embassy Mor, Birla Dharamshala, Pachhatti Mor, the museum, Mosa Mor and Mahabodhi Society of India-Sri Lanka Monastery.District magistrate Shashank Shubhankar said the arrangements were aimed at ensuring the safe movement of devotees, smooth traffic around the Mahabodhi Mahavihara and Kalchakra Ground, and unhindered movement of emergency vehicles during the Pitripaksh mela.
