Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at improving public access to green spaces, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has revised the operating hours of its parks, with the new schedule coming into effect from December 13. Under the revised arrangement, all BDA-managed parks will remain open continuously from 5 am to 8.30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, doing away with the usual afternoon break on weekends.
The decision follows repeated requests from morning walkers, fitness enthusiasts and regular visitors who sought longer access to parks, especially on weekends. BDA officials said the revised timings would allow residents greater flexibility to use park facilities throughout the day.
Indira Gandhi Park will continue with its existing extended schedule of 5 am to 8.30 pm on all days of the week. Other parks under the BDA will maintain their current weekday timings, remaining open from 5 am to 11.30 am and again from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
To ensure clarity for visitors, the BDA has announced that new timing boards reflecting the revised hours will be installed at the entrances of all parks shortly.
BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the authority is committed to making parks more accessible while also ensuring they remain clean and well-maintained. He urged visitors to follow park rules and cooperate in maintaining hygiene and discipline within the premises.
The BDA currently manages around 50 parks across the city, which together attract nearly 35,000 visitors every day, underscoring the importance of urban green spaces in Bhubaneswar’s civic life.
-OdishaAge
