Pune traffic police will close four major roads in the city’s central areas to regular vehicle movement after 5 pm from 18 September, as crowds gather to view Ganeshotsav decorations and visit public Ganesh mandals. The restrictions will remain in place until crowd levels reduce and traffic arrangements are restored by the immersion procession period.
The closures will apply to Laxmi Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Bajirao Road and Tilak Road. Vehicles used for essential services will be exempt, while other motorists have been asked to use alternative routes, according to an appeal issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Branch, Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare.
The traffic police said the changes were required after household Ganpati and Gauri immersions, when large numbers of people are expected to visit public Ganesh mandals to see idols and festival displays in the central parts of Pune. The restrictions are intended to manage pedestrian and vehicle movement during the evening period, when the crowds are expected to increase.
The closure on Laxmi Road will cover the stretch between Hamzekhan Chowk and Tilak Chowk. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road will be closed between Gadgil Putala Chowk and Deshbhakt Keshavrao Jedhe Chowk at Swargate.
On Bajirao Road, the restricted section will run from Puram Chowk to Appa Balwant Chowk. Tilak Road will be closed between the Maratha Chamber of Commerce and Hirabaug Chowk. The notified stretches cover key central-city corridors that connect commercial areas, residential neighbourhoods and festival locations.
The police have advised citizens to plan journeys in advance and use alternative routes during the evening closures. The restrictions will apply to all vehicles other than those involved in essential services, and the main roads will remain shut until the crowds disperse. Traffic arrangements will continue to be modified in the city until the Ganesh immersion procession, according to the traffic branch’s announcement.
