- Traffic diversions announced around Sidsar Sports Complex from September 2 midnight to September 12 morning
- About 700 candidates expected daily for Army recruitment drive from September 3-12; emergency and essential-service vehicles exempted
- Authorities move to keep recruitment process smooth while preventing congestion, accidents and disruption on key city routes
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
BHAVNAGAR, SEPT 2
When thousands of young aspirants converge at one venue chasing one of the toughest careers in the country, the first test is not always on the recruitment ground—it can begin on the road leading there.
With around 700 candidates expected every day, Bhavnagar district administration has put a special traffic-management plan in place ahead of the military recruitment rally to be held at Sardar Sports Complex, Sidsar, from September 3 to 12, 2026.
To prevent traffic congestion, avoid any untoward incident and ensure that the recruitment process proceeds without disruption, Bhavnagar Additional District Magistrate N. D. Govan has issued a formal notification ordering diversion of traffic on specified city roads.
The traffic restrictions will come into force from 8 pm on September 2 and remain operational until 6 am the following day, through September 12, covering the peak hours associated with the recruitment exercise.
The road plan: Who goes where?
Under the notification, vehicles travelling from Rajpath Chowk towards Lila Circle will follow a designated diversion route.
Vehicles will have to use the single-lane road from the divider cut at Rajpath Chowk, via Kanshri Pan, towards the Sports Complex, up to the divider cut opposite Grill Bar Restaurant (Maruti Nandan Restaurant).
From the divider cut opposite Maruti Nandan Restaurant towards Lila Circle, motorists will use the regular four-lane road.
The arrangement has been designed to regulate the flow of traffic around the recruitment venue during the hours when candidate movement is expected to be particularly heavy.
Emergency vehicles get clear pass
The restrictions will not apply to vehicles performing essential public and emergency duties.
Exemptions have been granted to vehicles belonging to the Police Department and Revenue Department, vehicles used by the municipality for public welfare, government vehicles engaged in public service, State Road Transport Corporation buses, fire brigade vehicles, ambulances and emergency vehicles of the Gujarat Electricity Board.
The exemption ensures that the traffic-control measures do not obstruct emergency response or essential public services.
Special relief for senior citizens, persons with disabilities
The administration has also made a specific provision for vulnerable passengers.
During the notification period, permission for vehicles being used to bring or transport elderly persons, persons with disabilities and pilgrims may be granted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bhavnagar City.
This provision gives the traffic-control mechanism a degree of flexibility while maintaining the overall diversion plan.
Violation can invite legal action
The administration has made it clear that the traffic notification is not merely advisory.
Anyone violating or contravening its provisions will be liable for punishment under Section 131 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951.
Authority to implement the notification and take action in cases of violation has been vested in any Head Constable or police officer above that rank.
The bigger challenge beyond the recruitment ground
For the thousands of young candidates arriving in Bhavnagar, the recruitment rally is a gateway to a career in the armed forces.
For the administration, however, it represents a different logistical challenge—how to move hundreds of candidates every day without allowing a high-stakes recruitment exercise to become a traffic-management problem.
The advance diversion plan is therefore aimed at separating the movement around the recruitment venue from normal city traffic, while keeping emergency and essential services moving.
For the candidates, every minute may count.
For the city, every vehicle movement will have to count.
And for the authorities, the mission is simple: let the aspirants focus on earning their place in uniform—not on getting trapped in traffic.
