Thousands of people are expected to attend the funeral of Shillong archdiocese Archbishop Dominic Jala on Wednesday while church officials have appealed to people to walk to the cathedral instead of travelling in vehicles.

Archbishop Jala, 68, died in a car accident in California on October 11 (October 10 local time). His mortal remains arrived here on Sunday.

Archdiocese protem chancellor Father Jimmy Marngar said on Tuesday that around 16 bishops from the Northeast and other parts of the country will attend the funeral service to be held at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians at Laitumkhrah from 1pm onwards.

Father Marngar said around 250 priests are expected to take part in the service.

Guwahati archdiocese Archbishop John Moolachira, the president of the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council, will be the main celebrant for Wednesday’s service.

Father Marngar added that more than 50,000 people are expected to travel to the cathedral. Arrangements have been made to broadcast the service live on YouTube and local channels. “We appeal to the people who wish to attend the funeral service, especially those hailing from in and around the city, to walk to the cathedral,” he said.

He said this would ease the anticipated traffic congestion on Wednesday as faithful from various parts of the state are expected to be present.

East Khasi Hills district police have appealed to the people to reduce congestion. Elaborate arrangements have been made to accommodate vehicles and regulate traffic.

On Tuesday, people continued to throng the cathedral to pay their last respects to Archbishop Jala whose mortal remains were placed near the church altar.

Meghalaya governor Tathagata Roy, Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, BJP Rajya Sabha MP K.J. Alphons, state health minister A.L. Hek and leaders of the Central Puja Committee, Meghalaya, were amongst those who came to the cathedral.

People can pay tribute to the Archbishop till noon before the funeral service commences from 1pm onwards.