Pune’s heavy vehicle ban has been extended across the central city’s major roads on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of Diwali, as traffic police prepare for increased pedestrian and vehicle movement in busy market areas. The weekend permission previously available to heavy goods vehicles has been withdrawn for the period, with operators instructed to use alternative routes.
The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre of the Pune traffic branch. It covers important roads including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Bajirao Road and Laxmi Road, along with other major routes in the central part of the city.
The restriction applies during a period when residents from Pune city, its suburbs and parts of the district typically visit central markets for Diwali shopping. Traffic police said pedestrian and vehicular movement rises substantially in these areas, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, increasing the possibility of congestion and creating safety concerns for people walking along and across the roads.
Heavy vehicles had already been restricted on major roads in the city. However, vehicles transporting construction material and other heavy goods had been allowed to use some important routes on weekends under a temporary permission. The latest decision cancels that weekend relaxation in view of the expected Diwali crowds in central Pune.
The order changes how construction-material carriers and other heavy goods vehicles will access the central city during the festival period. Traffic police have asked the affected drivers and operators to plan their journeys through alternative routes instead of using the restricted roads on Saturdays and Sundays.
The restriction is intended to operate until Diwali concludes. The traffic police will review the situation after the festival and take a further decision based on crowd levels and prevailing traffic conditions. The order places the immediate responsibility on heavy vehicle operators to avoid the listed central roads during the affected weekend period and follow the alternative-route direction issued by the traffic branch.
