Traffic diversions have been introduced on Pune-Satara Road and around Market Yard for vehicles travelling through the Swargate-Katraj underground metro construction zone, with the changes in force from Monday until further orders. The arrangements are being implemented on an experimental basis to reduce congestion in the area, Pune traffic police said.
The changes affect vehicles approaching Pushpamangal Chowk from Upper Bibwewadi through Chandralok Chowk. Vehicles heading towards Swargate, Market Yard or Utsav Hotel will not be allowed to turn right at Pushpamangal Chowk. Instead, they must turn left, take a U-turn near the Arneshwar bus stop opposite the Tanishq showroom and then proceed towards Swargate.
Vehicles travelling from Pushpamangal Chowk towards Market Yard or Utsav Hotel Chowk will also be barred from taking a right turn. Traffic police have directed motorists to continue ahead and take a U-turn near Adinath Society before proceeding to their destinations.
A separate restriction applies to vehicles travelling from Utsav Hotel Chowk towards Swargate. Vehicles from Market Yard or Utsav Hotel Chowk will not be permitted to turn right towards Swargate. They may instead use the route via Pushpamangal Chowk, Tanishq showroom and the Arneshwar bus stop to take a U-turn, or travel through Vakhar Mahamandal Chowk, according to the traffic arrangements.
Vehicles travelling towards Satara, Katraj and Bibwewadi from Swargate and Market Yard will be routed through the area beside Wellness Medical and Bhapkar Petrol Pump before proceeding through Pushpamangal Chowk. The diversion is intended to keep traffic moving while construction work for the underground metro route is carried out between Swargate and Katraj.
The restrictions are significant for daily road users because the affected junctions connect major residential, commercial and wholesale-market areas in southern Pune. The traffic police have asked motorists to follow the alternative routes, observe the U-turn instructions and cooperate with traffic personnel and volunteers deployed in the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare announced the arrangements on behalf of the traffic branch. The diversions will remain in place until further orders, with the experimental system subject to on-ground traffic management during the metro construction period.
