On a rainy Sunday, Kolkata witnessed a massive political gathering, including several small rallies, leading towards Dharamtala, for the Trinamool Congress Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21. At least two hours before the rally began, central Kolkata saw large numbers of TMC workers and supporters, who came from different districts of the state, to participate in the event. But its impact on the commuters within the city was minimal. As schools and offices were closed, the city's workforce was spared the traffic congestion. While some traffic built-up was reported near Dharmatala, it was only the areas in close proximity near the event venue that were primarily affected. Due to the meticulous planning by the Kolkata Traffic Police, the traffic movement within the city remained more or less normal on Sunday. Fearing traffic congestion on Sunday, the Kolkata Police planned a blueprint to maintain smooth movement of vehicles as well as the rally. While traffic was restricted in large areas of the city some roads were closed and traffic on some routes was diverted, said Kolkata Police. Many Trinamool workers and supporters reached Kolkata from different districts on Saturday, while many people from the suburbs reached Dharmatala on Sunday. Since 8am onwards, Trinamool supporters headed for the venue at Dharmatala through different stretches — from Sealdah station, AJC Bose Road, SN Banerjee Road, Dorina crossing, JL Nehru Road, Bentinck Street; from Shyambazar five-point, Bhupen Bose Avenue, Bidhan Sarani, College Street, Nirmal Chunder Street, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Central Avenue, Howrah Bridge via Strand Road, Brabourne Road, New CIT Road, Lalbazar Street, Bentinck Street and from Gitanjali stadium in Kasba via Rashbehari connector, Hazra crossing, SP Mukherjee Road, Ashutosh Mukherjee Road, JL Nehru Road, Bentinck Street. Availing public transport remained a challenge as the number of private and state buses were considerably lower than usual on Sunday. Kolkata Metro authorities, thus, made elaborate arrangements for commuters. Additional counters were opened at different stations, additional staff were deployed for the benefit of the passengers. Furthermore, additional RPF officers and staff were deployed at strategically important stations to tackle any emergency as well as ensure safety and security. Around 1.92 lakh passengers travelled in Kolkata Metro's Blue Line on Sunday, which is almost 80% more than the last Sunday's (i.e. July 14) passenger figure up to 3pm. Last Sunday, around 1.07 lakh passengers had travelled on the Blue Line till 3pm. Heavy goods vehicles remained off the roads from 3 am to 8 pm on Sunday. However, exemptions were given in cases such as gas cylinder vehicles, petroleum oil vehicles, oxygen cylinder vans, vehicles carrying medicines, vegetables, fruits and milk. Meanwhile, parking was suspended in and around the Victoria Memorial Hall, parts of AJC Bose Road, the area between Hastings Crossing and Cathedral Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Cathedral Road, Casuarina Avenue and Lovers Lane.
