The Bengaluru Traffic Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory for January 3 in view of the Sri Banashankari Ammanavara Brahma Rathotsava, an important religious event that is expected to draw a large number of devotees to the Banashankari Temple. To manage the anticipated surge in footfall and ensure public safety, traffic restrictions and diversions will be enforced along key stretches of Kanakapura Main Road.

According to the advisory, the Banashankari Temple area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kumaraswamy Layout Traffic Police Station, is likely to witness heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement throughout the day. In light of this, authorities have decided to prohibit vehicular traffic on a crucial section of Kanakapura Main Road to prevent congestion and ensure smooth conduct of the Rathotsava.

The road between the Banashankari Temple and the Sarakki Market Junction will remain closed to all vehicles for the duration of the event. This stretch is one of the busiest arterial roads in south Bengaluru, and its closure is expected to significantly impact regular traffic flow in the area. The police have therefore announced a series of alternative routes and diversions to help commuters navigate the affected zones with minimal inconvenience.

For vehicles travelling from the Konanakunte side towards the Banashankari Bus Stand, traffic will be diverted at the JP Nagar Metro Junction near the Sarakki signal. Motorists can continue their journey by taking the Rajalakshmi route via Sindhur Circle. Alternatively, they may turn right near the Sarakki Market Junction and then take a left turn at Indira Gandhi Circle towards RV Aster, from where they can proceed further using suitable connecting roads.

Similarly, vehicles heading from the Banashankari Bus Stand towards the Sarakki signal will not be allowed to proceed directly. These vehicles will be required to take a right turn near the Banashankari Bus Stand and move through Yarab Nagar. From there, motorists should turn left at the KS Layout junction to reach the Iliyasanagar–Sarakki signal and continue towards their destinations.

Traffic police officials said these diversions have been planned to distribute traffic evenly across surrounding roads and avoid bottlenecks near the temple premises. Adequate signage will be placed at major junctions, and traffic personnel will be deployed at key points to guide motorists and ensure compliance with the restrictions.

Authorities have urged commuters, especially those travelling through Kanakapura Main Road, JP Nagar, Banashankari, Sarakki, and surrounding areas, to plan their journeys in advance. Motorists have also been advised to allow extra travel time, follow diversion signs, and cooperate with traffic police personnel on duty.

Devotees visiting the Banashankari Temple have been encouraged to use public transport wherever possible, as parking space near the temple is expected to be extremely limited. The police have warned that unauthorised parking on main roads and residential streets will attract strict enforcement action, including towing.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police emphasised that the restrictions are temporary and aimed solely at ensuring the safety of devotees and the smooth conduct of the Rathotsava. “Public cooperation is essential for effective traffic management during large religious gatherings. We request commuters to follow advisories and instructions issued by traffic personnel,” an official said.

Regular updates on traffic conditions and diversions are expected to be shared through official traffic police social media handles. Commuters are advised to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid inconvenience on January 3.