The restrictions on the movement of goods vehicles in Kolkata during the Puja came into effect on Wednesday (Tritiya), unlike other years when such restrictions would usually start on Sashthi, three days later.
No goods vehicles will be allowed to ply within the city between 8am on Thursday, Chaturthi, and 2am on Friday (Panchami). The time allotted for goods vehicles to ply will gradually become shorter over the next few days, police officers said.
On Saptami, Sunday, for instance, a window of five hours beginning 3am has been left open for trucks to move within the city.
The relief is “there will be exceptions for vehicles carrying perishable items like milk, fish, vegetables and fruits”.
In addition to the restriction on the movement of goods vehicles, Kolkata police have banned the movement of all types of vehicles on some key thoroughfares of the city. The bar starts at 3pm on Thursday and will be in place for most part of the day till Dashami, October 5.
Transporters and goods vehicle operators who rely on supplies from other states — primarily Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat — met during the day to plan for the week ahead. On Wednesday, truck operators said they briefed their drivers about the restriction so they did not get stranded on their way.
“A truck driver waiting at entry points in Asansol or Kharagpur, for instance, should be aware of the timings for entering the city and move accordingly,” said Sajal Ghosh, a city-based transporter.
Close to 20,000 trucks enter the city every day. During the festival, the number will be less than 5,000. But supply is unlikely to be affected because traders have planned in advance.