Pune traffic police have directed goods vehicles serving central Pune’s commercial areas to load and unload only between 2 am and 11 am during Ganeshotsav, citing heavy crowds, congestion and pedestrian safety concerns. The restriction will remain in force until September 24.
The instruction was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Branch, Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre. It applies to tempos, trucks and other goods vehicles bringing supplies to commercial areas including Raviwar Peth, Bohri Ali, Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Shaniwar Peth, Bajirao Road, Kumbharwada Road, Sadashiv Peth and Shukrawar Peth.
According to the traffic police, goods loading and unloading should not be carried out during the daytime in these areas while the festival is under way. Traders have been asked to coordinate with vehicle operators and ensure that goods are handled within the permitted hours, from midnight until 11 am.
The order comes as central Pune sees a substantial increase in pedestrian movement during Ganeshotsav. The traffic branch said roads in the central areas remain crowded throughout the day and night during the festival, creating difficulties for both vehicles and pedestrians. It also warned that the movement of goods vehicles through dense crowds could increase the risk of accidents.
DCP Bhajibhakre said action would be taken against violations of the traffic police order. The stated purpose of the measure is to keep traffic moving through the central areas while reducing conflicts between commercial vehicles and festival crowds.
The restriction does not apply to fire brigade vehicles, ambulances, police vehicles and vehicles involved in essential services. These vehicles will continue to receive permission to operate as required during the festival period.
The traffic branch has said that additional measures are being taken to maintain smooth movement in central Pune during Ganeshotsav and has appealed to residents and traders to cooperate with the arrangements. The goods movement restriction is scheduled to remain in place through September 24.
