Siliguri, West Bengal: Durga Puja is one of the busiest periods of the year in Siliguri, bringing large crowds to popular pandals and increasing pressure on the city's roads. To manage the festive rush, Siliguri Metropolitan Police has outlined stringent traffic control measures that could significantly affect toto drivers and private vehicle owners.
According to a report published by Khabar Samay on October 6, 2026, the proposed restrictions could prevent totos from operating on city roads during the main Puja days, from Saptami to Vijayadashami. The report also highlights restrictions on roadside parking, particularly for people planning to visit pandals in their private cars.
Toto Drivers Concerned About Festival Earnings
For many toto drivers, Durga Puja is an important opportunity to earn extra income. Passenger demand generally rises during the festival as residents and visitors travel between markets, pandals and residential neighbourhoods.
However, the reported restrictions have created uncertainty among drivers who were expecting higher earnings during the festive period. Some drivers have expressed concern about how they will support their families if their vehicles cannot operate on their usual routes.
The issue comes amid wider efforts to regulate toto movement in Siliguri, where authorities have been working to address congestion and violations of designated routes. In June 2026, the city's traffic department introduced restrictions preventing e-rickshaws from using major roads and directing them towards service roads.
Private Car Owners May Also Face Restrictions
The traffic arrangements are not limited to commercial and passenger vehicles. According to the Khabar Samay report, motorists may also face restrictions on parking along major roads during Durga Puja.
The objective is to prevent parked vehicles from narrowing road space and obstructing the movement of pedestrians and emergency services. Visitors may therefore need to plan their journeys carefully and use permitted parking areas rather than stopping beside busy roads.
Police Step Up Preparations for Durga Puja
Siliguri Metropolitan Police is also strengthening its broader security arrangements for the festival. A report published by Siliguri Times on October 7 stated that Police Commissioner Syed Waquar Raza inspected several Puja pandals and immersion ghats to review security arrangements, crowd management and traffic movement.
The preparations included an inspection of the Mahananda immersion ghat and discussions with Puja organisers about managing entry and exit points and reducing congestion around pandals.
The reported plan also includes increased surveillance, police assistance points and coordinated deployment of personnel to maintain public order during the festivities.
What Should Residents and Visitors Know?
Residents, toto drivers and Puja visitors should check the latest official traffic notifications before travelling. Restrictions may vary by road, date and time, and the final arrangements announced by the police should take precedence over preliminary reports.
For toto drivers, the measures could affect income during one of the year's busiest seasons. For commuters and pandal-hoppers, the main challenge will be adapting to traffic diversions and parking restrictions while navigating the city during Durga Puja.
