Pune traffic diversions have been announced in Navi Peth after a protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students began near the Patrakar Bhavan area, disrupting movement along the Lal Bahadur Shastri Road corridor. The traffic police have asked motorists to avoid the affected stretch and use alternative routes.
The protest is being held near Patrakar Bhavan over the students’ demand that the MPSC chairperson resign. In response, traffic changes have been introduced around the area to prevent congestion and manage vehicles using the route towards the S. M. Joshi Bridge.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Branch, Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, motorists should not travel from Ganjwe Chowk on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road through Patrakar Bhavan towards the S. M. Joshi Bridge. The advisory has been issued as the protest affects a route used by vehicles travelling towards several important parts of the city.
Vehicles travelling from the Patrakar Bhavan area through the S. M. Joshi Bridge towards Karve Road, Bhandarkar Road, Deccan Gymkhana and Kothrud have been asked to use the route from Senadatta Police Chowki Chowk via Mhatre Bridge instead. The diversion is intended to help vehicles bypass the protest-affected section and reduce traffic pressure around Navi Peth.
The traffic police have also advised motorists travelling towards Poona Hospital to avoid the Patrakar Bhavan–S. M. Joshi Bridge route as far as possible. The advisory places the responsibility on drivers to choose alternate roads before reaching the affected stretch, rather than entering the area and turning back amid congestion.
The Navi Peth movement highlights the operational impact that public demonstrations can have on Pune’s road network when they take place near a corridor connecting central neighbourhoods, institutional areas and major bridges. Even a localised closure or restriction can affect traffic flows towards Deccan Gymkhana, Karve Road, Bhandarkar Road and Kothrud, making advance route information important for commuters.
The traffic police’s current instructions are focused on keeping vehicles away from the Patrakar Bhavan and S. M. Joshi Bridge approach roads while the protest continues. Motorists have been asked to follow the alternate route through Senadatta Police Chowki Chowk and Mhatre Bridge and avoid the affected section, particularly when travelling towards Poona Hospital.
