If you’re planning to drive through parts of Itanagar on September 9, you might want to leave a little earlier — or rethink your route entirely.
The Itanagar Capital Region Traffic Police has rolled out a traffic advisory ahead of Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan’s visit to the state capital. He’s arriving for the Seventh Special Session of the Eighth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and the city is gearing up accordingly. These high-profile visits always come with their share of inconvenience for daily commuters, and this one is no different.
According to the advisory issued by Superintendent of Police, Traffic Itanagar Capital Region, B. L. Suresh, IPS, specific stretches across the capital will be declared No Parking Zones for all types of vehicles on September 9. The order was signed and circulated on September 7, giving residents just about two days to plan ahead.
Two major stretches are at the heart of the restrictions. The road from JNK Traffic Point up to Malla Tarin Government Higher Secondary School junction has been designated a no-parking zone, specifically within the white-line marking of the road. That’s a busy stretch on a regular day, so expect a tighter squeeze than usual. The second stretch runs from Arun Subansiri Point all the way to Donyi Polo International Hotel, which will remain a No Parking Zone for all vehicles throughout the day.
For people living and commuting through the Lobi area, there is a workaround. Residents have been advised to use the alternate route from Lobi Panch Ali to Niti Vihar Point via Mob-II Road to avoid getting caught up in the disruption. It’s a small detour, but one worth taking rather than sitting stuck in a crawl while official convoys pass.
Anyone thinking of ignoring the advisory should think twice. The Traffic Police has made it clear that vehicles found parked in violation will be towed away and dealt with under the relevant penal provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Towing charges are never a pleasant surprise, and the authorities appear serious about enforcement this time. The OC Traffic Itanagar and the MV Checking and Locker Team have been directed to ensure effective implementation of the regulations throughout the day.
These kinds of advisories are par for the course whenever a VVIP lands in Itanagar. The city’s road network, already stretched thin by its hilly terrain and growing traffic load, doesn’t have much room for improvisation. A single blocked stretch can ripple into delays across multiple neighbourhoods. Locals know this well — and most have learned to adapt when the flags come out.
The visit carries significance beyond the traffic juggling. The convening of a Special Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly points to important legislative business on the agenda, even if the specifics are yet to be publicly detailed. The Vice President’s presence at such a session underlines the gravity of what is likely to be discussed.
For now, Itanagar residents have one job: plan the day around the restrictions, leave the car at home if possible, and let the city get through September 9 without a hitch. When the capital is in the spotlight, everyone plays a part in making it work.
