In anticipation of large crowds expected to gather for Chhath Puja, the District Magistrate of South Andaman has issued temporary traffic regulations around Corbyn’s Cove Beach to ensure public safety and smooth vehicular movement. The restrictions, framed under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, will be effective from 2 pm on October 27 to 8 pm on October 28, 2025.
According to the notification, the stretch from Corbyn’s Chowk Junction to Mazar Pahad via Corbyn’s Cove will function as a one-way route, with vehicles allowed to enter only from Corbyn’s Chowk and exit through Mazar Pahad. To maintain order and avoid congestion, vehicles will not be permitted to ply from Mazar Pahad towards Corbyn’s Cove Beach during this period, except for two-wheelers which will continue to have access in both directions.
The District Administration has also restricted the entry of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) along this route for the duration of the festival. However, vehicles engaged in essential services such as medical response, utilities, and emergency support will be exempted from this restriction to ensure uninterrupted essential operations.
In addition, the road connecting Children’s Park at Chakkar Gaon to Corbyn’s Cove Road will remain closed for general vehicular traffic during the celebration period. Only two-wheelers will be allowed on this route, enabling safer pedestrian and devotional movement. The measures aim to manage the heavy footfall expected at the beach area during Chhath Puja, one of the major Hindu festivals dedicated to the Sun God, which draws hundreds of devotees each year for ritual offerings and prayers along the seashore.
The administration’s traffic plan reflects lessons from past years, when heavy crowding and mixed traffic flows led to congestion and safety concerns for devotees performing rituals near the water. By designating one-way access and limiting heavy vehicles, the new arrangement seeks to provide better mobility and emergency access across the key junctions of Corbyn’s Chowk, Mazar Pahad, and Chakkar Gaon.
Authorities have advised motorists and the general public to cooperate with the restrictions and plan their commutes accordingly. Additional signage, police deployment, and traffic barricades are expected to be placed along the designated routes to guide drivers and pedestrians. Volunteers from local organizations are also likely to assist in managing parking areas and crowd control during the event.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach, one of Port Blair’s most frequented recreational and pilgrimage spots, witnesses an exceptional surge of visitors during Chhath Puja. The festival, known for its early morning and evening rituals performed in water, necessitates well-coordinated public arrangements. District officials have noted that the revised traffic system is intended to ensure both convenience and safety for devotees and residents.
The restrictions will remain in effect until 8 pm on October 28, after which normal vehicular movement will resume. The administration has requested citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected zones during the restricted period and to use alternate routes where possible.
The notification, issued under the authority of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Administration’s standing order, underscores the continuing effort of the District Administration to balance festive activities with public order and road safety.
As the islands prepare for the Chhath Puja celebrations, the temporary plan aims to maintain the sanctity of the occasion while ensuring that both pilgrims and commuters can move safely through the area without inconvenience.
