Nashik police have imposed temporary traffic restrictions around Ramkund, Gangaghat and Panchavati ahead of Chhath Puja, with 50,000 to 60,000 devotees expected to gather on Sunday evening. The curbs will remain in force from 3pm on Sunday until 10am on Monday to manage congestion in the narrow roads of the old city and ensure smoother movement across the city.
The restrictions cover key stretches connecting Malegaon Stand, Dhikle Vachanalaya, Khandave Hall, Sardar Chowk, Ganeshwadi and Dilli Darwaja to Ramkund. Police said the measures were introduced because the roads around Gangaghat, Panchavati and the old city have limited capacity to handle the expected volume of vehicles and pedestrians during the festivities.
Motorists travelling towards other parts of Nashik during the restriction period have been advised to use the Ganeshwadi-Katya Maruti Police Chowki-Nimani Bus Stand-Panchavati Karanja route. The alternate corridor is intended to keep vehicles away from the main gathering points around the riverbanks and reduce pressure on roads leading to Ramkund.
Police have designated parking facilities at Gauri Patangan, Mari Mata Mandir and Shinde Mala for devotees arriving at the riverbanks. Vehicles travelling to the Gauri Patangan parking area can use the Malegaon Stand-Panchavati Karanja-Dindori Naka-Seva Kunj Chowk-Katya Maruti Chowk-Devi Mandir-Munjoba Chowk-Ayurved Hospital route, according to the traffic plan issued by the police.
Those using the Mari Mata Mandir and Shinde Mala parking facilities have been given separate access routes. The first route runs through the Mumbai-Agra Highway, Tractor House, Nanavali Police Chowki, Amardham Bridge and Shinde Mala. Another route is available through Katya Maruti Chowk, Devi Chowk, Panchavati and Amardham.
The arrangements place the riverfront gathering areas at the centre of the city’s temporary traffic plan. Ramkund and the adjoining Gangaghat area are connected to several narrow roads in Panchavati and the old city, making vehicle segregation and designated parking important for managing a large religious gathering.
The restrictions apply overnight from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Police have asked motorists to follow the alternate routes and use the designated parking locations while the measures remain in force. The traffic plan will remain operational until 10am on Monday.
