Pune Announces Traffic Diversions For Angarki Chaturthi Amid Massive Crowds
Pune’s central business district will experience significant traffic diversions on Thursday as thousands of devotees are expected to gather for Angarki Chaturthi at the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple. The city’s traffic authorities have announced a series of reroutes and road closures to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and manage congestion during the festival.
The annual celebration of Angarki Chaturthi, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, traditionally draws large crowds to the heart of Pune. This year, the anticipated footfall is expected to surpass usual numbers, prompting proactive measures from the traffic department. According to officials, these steps are aimed at balancing religious sentiment with the need for orderly urban mobility.As part of the plan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road will remain fully closed to vehicles for the day. Authorities have urged commuters who typically use this corridor to opt for designated alternative routes. Motorists travelling from Puram Chowk towards Shivajinagar via Bajirao Road are advised to take Tilak Road, passing through Alka Cinema Hall and Deccan Gymkhana, before rejoining their onward routes.
Similarly, those heading towards Swargate from the city centre via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road are advised to divert through SG Barve Chowk (Modern Café), Junglee Maharaj Road, Jhansi Rani Chowk, Khandujibaba Chowk, and Tilak Road. Additionally, the stretch from Appa Balwant Chowk to Hutatma Chowk (Budhwar Chowk) has been closed to traffic.Senior traffic officials have appealed for public cooperation, emphasising that careful route planning could save commuters considerable time and frustration. “The scale of the gathering makes it essential to prioritise pedestrian safety while minimising disruptions for motorists,” an official said, adding that diversions are a temporary but necessary measure to maintain order during the festivities.
While the diversions may inconvenience daily commuters, local business owners near the temple have expressed support, noting that organised traffic control ensures better access for visitors and reduces the chaos seen in earlier years. Festival-goers are being encouraged to use public transport or shared mobility services to limit vehicular load in the congested temple vicinity.The traffic department has reiterated that all restrictions will be lifted once the festival concludes. However, they cautioned that the central area is likely to remain busy throughout the day and urged residents to avoid non-essential travel through the affected zones.With Angarki Chaturthi’s vibrant celebrations drawing thousands into Pune’s historic core, the coordinated effort between civic bodies, law enforcement, and citizens is expected to play a decisive role in maintaining both festive spirit and urban discipline.
