Traffic restrictions have been introduced at Market Yard, Bibwewadi and along Pune-Satara Road as underground construction for the Swargate-Katraj Pune Metro corridor continues. The revised arrangements came into effect on October 19 on a trial basis and will remain in force until further orders, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre.
Motorists travelling through Pushpamangal Chowk, Utsav Hotel Chowk and surrounding roads will face revised turning restrictions and will have to use designated U-turns. The changes have been put in place to manage vehicle movement and reduce congestion around construction-affected sections.
Vehicles arriving from Upper Bibwewadi through Chandralok Chowk and travelling towards Pushpamangal Chowk will not be allowed to turn right towards Swargate or Market Yard and Utsav Hotel. They will have to turn left and take a U-turn near the Aranyeshwar bus stop, opposite the Tanishq showroom, before continuing towards Swargate.
At Pushpamangal Chowk, vehicles will not be permitted to turn right towards Market Yard or Utsav Hotel Chowk. Motorists will instead have to proceed ahead and take a U-turn near Adinath Society before continuing towards their destinations.
Vehicles travelling from Utsav Hotel Chowk towards Swargate will also face a right-turn restriction. Motorists coming from Market Yard can travel via Pushpamangal Chowk, the Tanishq showroom and the Aranyeshwar bus stop to make a U-turn. They may alternatively use the Vakhara Mahamandal Chowk route to reach their destinations.
Traffic travelling from Swargate towards Satara Road, as well as vehicles moving from Market Yard towards Satara, Katraj and Bibwewadi, will be directed through Pushpamangal Chowk via the Wellness Medical and Bhapkar Petrol Pump side. The revised routing is intended to keep traffic moving while construction activity continues below and around the road network.
The restrictions affect an important movement zone connecting residential areas, Market Yard and routes towards Swargate, Satara and Katraj. Commuters using the area may therefore need to account for additional turning movements and follow on-ground directions rather than using their usual paths.
The Pune Traffic Police have appealed to motorists to follow the revised arrangements, use the specified alternative routes and cooperate with traffic personnel and volunteers deployed in the area. The trial arrangements will continue until further orders from the traffic authorities.
