Kolkata Police on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, issued a comprehensive traffic advisory announcing that Red Road — one of the city's most prominent arterial stretches — will remain closed to all vehicles for a full week ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations on 21 June 2026. The closure is to facilitate preparatory work, including the erection of a makeshift stage for the mega event.

What Kolkata Police Said

In an official social media post, Kolkata Police stated: 'In connection with the observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Red Road on 21.06.2026, special traffic regulations will be in force in the surrounding areas. Commuters are requested to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the directions of traffic personnel.'

Stage construction work has already commenced at the venue, signalling the scale of the preparations underway for the event.

Roads Closed from 2 AM on June 21

Beyond the week-long Red Road closure, several surrounding roads will be shut from 2 am on 21 June until the programme concludes. These include Hospital Road East, West Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue, Gostha Pal Sarani (Kingsway), Queensway, Plassey Gate Road, Dufferin Road, Outram Road, and the Esplanade Ramp South-bound of R R Avenue from the crossing of Esplanade Row East.

Guru Nanak Sarani (Mayo Road) will also be closed to all vehicular traffic from 2 am on 21 June, except for vehicles bearing specially issued event stickers.

Goods Vehicle Restrictions

The movement of all goods vehicles will be restricted along several key corridors, including AJC Bose Road southward from its crossing with Lenin Sarani (Moulali crossing), St. George's Gate Road, Strand Road up to Raja Woodmunt Street, C R Avenue from G C Avenue southward, and J L Nehru Road (both directions) — all effective from 2 am on 21 June until the event ends.

Khidderpore Road from Ghora Pass to J & N Island will also be closed, with exceptions for bridge-bound vehicles and AJC Ramp vehicles.

Scale of the Event and City Impact

This is the first time the national International Yoga Day event is being held in Kolkata, with the city expected to see widespread participation beyond the main Red Road venue. Authorities note that the entire city is expected to be engaged in the programme on the day, making it one of the largest public events the city has hosted in recent years.

Commuters and residents across central Kolkata are advised to plan alternate routes well in advance and comply with directions from traffic personnel deployed across the affected zones.