Nashik police have announced extensive traffic restrictions, road closures and diversions for October 30 and 31 as President Droupadi Murmu, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior leaders visit the city for Dhwajarohan events linked to the Simhastha Kumbh preparations.
The restrictions will be in force from 6am until the conclusion of the procession on October 30. On October 31, they will remain active from 6am until midnight. The programme includes a flag-hoisting ceremony at 12.02pm and the Goda Aarti at 7pm.
The presidential convoy is scheduled to travel from Ozar airport to Ram Kund, then to Trimbakeshwar and back to Ram Kund before returning to New Delhi. Convoys accompanying the Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and central and state ministers will also move through the city.
On October 30, vehicles will be barred from the Dhwajarohan procession route covering Tapovan ground, Aathvan Lawns, T Corner, Tapovan Crossing, Panchmukhi Hanuman temple, Katya Maruti Chowk, Devi Chowk, Ganeshwadi, Phul Bazaar, Gadge Maharaj Bridge, Delhi Gate, Nehru Chowk, Dhumal Point, Main Road, Raviwar Karanja, Ahilyabai Holkar Bridge, Malegaon Stand and Ramkund. Additional closures will apply between Ashok Stambh and Raviwar Karanja, Red Cross and Dhumal Point, Malegaon Stand and Makhmalabad Naka, and Dindori Naka and Malegaon Stand, along with connecting roads leading to the procession route.
On October 31, access towards Ramkund will be closed from Ashok Stambh, Raviwar Karanja, Ahilyadevi Holkar Bridge, Malegaon Stand, Indrakund, Panchavati Karanja and Dindori Naka. Restrictions will also cover Ramkund, Kapaleshwar temple, Sardar Chowk, Gauri Patangan, Gadge Maharaj Bridge, Ram Setu Bridge and Gondhal Gate. Areas covered by the Goda Aarti entry ban include Ekmukhi Dutta Mandir, Gandhi Talav, Yashwant Patangan, Kapurthala Maidan, Rokdoba Maidan Ghat, Gurancha Davakhana, Gharpure Ghat, Siddheshwar Mandir, Dhumal Point, Nehru Chowk and Main Road.
Police have identified alternative routes through Dindori Naka, Peth Naka signal, Makhmalabad Naka, Goda Park, Gajbhiye Petrol Pump, Chopda Lawns and Gangapur Naka. Motorists travelling from CBS towards the affected areas can use Meher signal, Ashok Stambh, Old Gangapur Naka, Dream Castle, Fadol Chowk, Krishi signal, Tarawala signal and Amrutdham Chowk. No-parking zones will include stretches between Dindori Naka and Panchavati Karanja, Katya Maruti Chowk and Indai Lawns, Raviwar Karanja and Red Cross signal, Meher signal and Red Cross signal, Khadkali signal and Shalimar, and Tractor House and Amardham Road.
Traffic to Trimbakeshwar will also face significant diversions. Additional District Magistrate Rohitkumar Rajput said vehicles from Nashik would have to use Amrut Chowk, Bardan Phata, Govardhan, Girnare, Dhondegaon, Devargaon, Waghera Phata, Amboli Phata and Sapgaon. The journey will increase to 61km each way from the regular 30km route. The 42km Ghoti–Trimbakeshwar route will be closed, requiring vehicles to travel via Nashik city, Govardhan and Girnare, covering 104km each way. Police, ambulances, corpse vans and fire services will be exempt from the restrictions.
