Pune traffic police have barred heavy vehicles and passenger buses from travelling from Chandani Chowk towards Kothrud Depot after work began on the Vanaz–Chandani Chowk metro extension, creating a new restriction on a key west Pune route.
The restriction covers dumpers, concrete mixers, goods vehicles, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses and private passenger buses. Police said the measure has been introduced to facilitate construction and improve road safety along the stretch.
Metal barricades are being installed on both sides of the road divider between Vanaz Metro Station and Chandani Chowk. The road from Chandani Chowk towards Kothrud Depot has a steep gradient, and a height barrier will be installed in front of Prathamesh Elite Society to prevent heavy vehicles from entering the restricted section.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre has advised motorists to avoid the route and use an alternative road through Chandani Chowk, Dukkar Khind, Warje, Karvenagar, Karve Road and Paud Phata Chowk. The diversion is intended to help vehicles reach their destinations while construction activity continues on the metro extension corridor.
The changes come as Pune sees construction activity on more than one metro front. Work has also begun on the underground metro corridor between Swargate and Katraj. To support that work, traffic changes have been introduced on Satara Road and in the Market Yard area.
The simultaneous construction activity is adding pressure to already busy movement corridors. Residents have raised concerns about congestion near Bhapkar Chowk on Satara Road and alleged that vehicles parked in front of City Pride cinema are obstructing traffic flow. The report did not provide details of any enforcement action connected to the parking complaints.
The traffic police have appealed to drivers to avoid the restricted Chandani Chowk–Kothrud Depot route and follow the suggested alternative through Dukkar Khind, Warje, Karvenagar, Karve Road and Paud Phata Chowk. The restrictions and barricading are linked to the ongoing Vanaz–Chandani Chowk metro extension work.
