Pune traffic police have restricted the movement of heavy vehicles around Katraj Chowk as construction continues on the Swargate–Katraj underground metro corridor, directing dumpers, cement mixers, trailers and containers to alternative routes.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre has appealed to heavy vehicle operators to avoid Katraj Chowk and follow the designated diversions. The restrictions have been introduced to keep traffic moving through the junction, where metro construction activity is affecting vehicle movement.
Heavy vehicles approaching Katraj through the old tunnel on the Pune–Satara highway will be stopped at Shindewadi. Vehicles using the new Katraj tunnel on the Satara road will face restrictions at Navale Bridge. Heavy vehicles coming from the Warje side of the Mumbai–Bengaluru bypass will also not be allowed to proceed towards Katraj beyond Navale Bridge.
Vehicles approaching from Solapur through Hadapsar, Manterwadi and the Katraj–Kondhwa Road will not be permitted to continue beyond Manterwadi Chowk. Restrictions will also apply to heavy vehicles entering Katraj through Bopdev Ghat and the Katraj–Kondhwa Road.
Traffic approaching from Market Yard, Gangadham and Bibwewadi will be diverted. Vehicles travelling from Swargate towards Katraj Chowk will not be allowed to enter the junction. Residents travelling from Katraj towards Swargate have also been advised to avoid Katraj Chowk and use alternative roads to reduce congestion.
The traffic police have identified diversion routes through Navale Bridge, the new Katraj tunnel, Khed Shivapur, Saswad, Garade, Chimbali, Manterwadi and Wadki. Another designated option runs through Navale Bridge, the new Katraj tunnel, Khed Shivapur, Garade, Bhivri, Bopdev Ghat, Yevalewadi, Pisoli and Manterwadi.
State transport buses and other passenger vehicles travelling from Satara towards Swargate have been advised to turn right near Navale Bridge and proceed towards Swargate via Katraj. The directions are intended to separate passenger traffic from construction-related and freight movement around the junction.
Parking has also been prohibited on both sides of several roads in the area. These include the stretch between Wonder City Society and Katraj Bypass Chowk, the road from Katraj Bypass Chowk to More Baug, and roads connecting the bypass junction with Rajas Society and the old Katraj tunnel.
The restrictions will remain relevant while work on the Swargate–Katraj underground metro project continues. Motorists and heavy vehicle operators have been asked to follow the diversions and parking rules to prevent bottlenecks around Katraj Chowk.
