India

Bengaluru Implements Traffic and Parking Restrictions for Karnataka Rajyotsava 2026

By Akriti Anand

Karnataka is marking the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava on Sunday, November 1, a day observed by six states. Bengaluru police imposed traffic restrictions around Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the celebrations. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will attend the state‑level programme organised by the Department of Public Instruction at the stadium. More than 20,000 schoolchildren are expected to arrive in 300 to 400 school buses, according to The Hindu.

To manage slow‑moving traffic and congestion, police announced specific routing: vehicles coming from Nrupathunga Road and N R Road via Police Corner and HLD Junction toward Richmond Junction and M G Road through Kasturba Road should turn right at HLD Junction, then proceed via Hudson Junction and Devanga Junction, turn left toward Mission Road Flyover and continue to Residency Road. Vehicles from KH Road toward Majestic via Shantinagar, Richmond Circle and RRMR Road should turn left at Shantinagar Junction, then proceed via Subbaiah Circle and Poornima Junction, turn right at Shivaji Junction and continue to N R Road.

Parking will be prohibited on Nrupathunga Road, Seshadri Road, Kasturba Road, Kempegowda Road and RRMR Road.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion, wishing Karnataka prosperity and joy. He posted on X: “Karnataka is a land of rich traditions, remarkable achievements and immense possibilities. Its glorious heritage and timeless customs have enriched our nation’s cultural fabric.” He added that Karnataka’s people have distinguished themselves in sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, aerospace, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and start‑ups, and that they are at the forefront of providing solutions to global challenges.

Chief Minister Shivakumar said on Friday that he would not attend the INDIA bloc protest scheduled in Delhi on November 1, citing commitments to the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations. He noted that party workers and leaders would participate in the protest. Shivakumar explained that district ministers and MLAs had been instructed to organise programmes and hoist the national flag in their areas. He said, “There is a protest by our party tomorrow (Nov 1). We celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in a special way in our state. Every district minister should hoist the national flag.” He added that he would not travel to Delhi but that party workers and leaders would attend the protest, and that district and block presidents would go. He also mentioned that Krishna Byre Gowda would replace Parameshwara to hoist the flag due to health concerns.