Nashik police have announced traffic diversions in Panchavati for the Dasara Ravan Dahan programme at Ramkund, with key roads closed to regular vehicles from 3 pm to 10 pm. Motorists have been asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes during the restriction period.
The closure will cover the road between Malegaon Stand and Ramkund through Sardar Chowk and Gadge Maharaj Bridge. Traffic will also be restricted on the route from Gadge Maharaj Bridge to Malegaon Stand via Sardar Chowk and Ramkund.
Vehicles travelling through the affected area have been directed to use the Malegaon Stand, Panchavati Karanja, Nimani Bus Stand, Katya Maruti Chowk and Ganeshwadi route. Police have appealed to motorists to avoid crowded locations and follow the diversion plan.
The restrictions have been put in place for the Ravan Dahan programme on the banks of the Godavari at Ramkund Gangaghat ground. Senior police officers said the event is expected to draw about 10,000 people.
A procession involving Lord Ram and the Laxman Sena will begin from Chatursampraday Akhada and pass through Malegaon Stand, Panchavati Karanja, Malviya Chowk, Shivaji Chowk, Sita Gumpha Road, the Sri Kalaram temple, Sardar Chowk and the Saibaba temple before reaching the Ramkund Gangaghat parking area. The Ramleela programme will be held there before the Ravan effigy is burned.
The area is also expected to see movement by several mandals arriving at Ramkund for the immersion of Goddess idols. This is likely to add to congestion around the event zone and the Godavari riverfront.
The traffic restriction will not apply to police vehicles, ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and other emergency-service vehicles. Police have advised commuters to plan journeys through Panchavati outside the restricted roads and comply with instructions from personnel deployed along the procession and event routes.
