Pune: Public transport in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will operate with temporary route changes as traffic restrictions are introduced for Dahi Handi celebrations. PMPML has planned diversions and alternate boarding points for September 3, 4 and 5, with two Swargate depot routes set to remain closed throughout September 5. The changes highlight the challenge of keeping public mobility functional while managing large festival crowds in dense urban areas.
Several routes serving central Pune will be diverted once roads are closed. On September 5, buses on routes 17 between Narhegaon and Shivajinagar and 50 between Shaniwar Wada and Sinhagad will operate from Sarasbaug. Route 113, connecting Appa Balwant Chowk and Sangvi, will instead operate from the PMC riverside bus stop. Routes 8, 9, 57, 81, 94, 108, 143, 144 and 283 will be redirected through Deccan Gymkhana, PMC Bhavan and Gadital. Meanwhile, routes 2, 11, 13, 21, 37, 38 and Ratrani-1 will use JM Road, Deccan and Tilak Road while travelling towards Pune. Their movement towards Swargate will continue through Bajirao Road. For September 3 and 4, routes 7, 68 and 202 will also be diverted through Swargate and Tilak Road after traffic restrictions take effect. The biggest service reduction comes on September 5, when routes 3 and 6 operated from Swargate depot will remain suspended for the entire day.
The festival falls on September 5 this year, and authorities have already introduced preventive restrictions across Pune from September 1 to September 14 covering Dahi Handi and the wider festival period. For commuters, the disruption is more than a route-planning issue. Bus diversions can lengthen journeys, alter walking connections and affect people travelling to work, education and healthcare. This is particularly relevant in central neighbourhoods where road space is limited and private vehicles compete with buses, pedestrians and festival crowds. The changes also underline the importance of public transport during major civic events. When streets are temporarily prioritised for crowds and celebrations, maintaining predictable bus access can reduce pressure on private vehicles and help limit additional congestion and emissions.
Pune has also seen efforts to reduce the traffic and noise impact of this year’s celebrations, with more than 25 mandals planning a joint DJ-free Dahi Handi event. The immediate priority for commuters is accurate, timely information on diversions and alternate stops. Longer term, Pune’s festival planning will need stronger integration between traffic management, public transport and pedestrian movement so that public celebrations can take place without disproportionately reducing everyday urban mobility.
