Pune traffic police are preparing diversions and a dedicated VIP corridor on the Sinhagad Road route as senior political leaders, film-industry figures and members of the public are expected to travel to Donaje for veteran actor Nana Patekar’s last rites on Thursday evening.
Patekar’s mortal remains are expected to reach Pune airport by around 6 pm after medical and legal procedures in Goa. The final rites are likely to take place at his farmhouse in Donaje, near Khadakwasla, between 9 pm and 10 pm, according to Pune Mirror.
The timing is expected to place additional pressure on Sinhagad Road, which routinely records heavy traffic during evening peak hours. The anticipated movement of VIP convoys, visitors and fans could affect traffic on the corridor and adjoining roads.
Pune city and rural traffic police are coordinating a movement plan that includes a dedicated route for VIP vehicles and diversion options for regular traffic. Additional personnel are being deployed at key points along the route to manage vehicle movement and prevent congestion from spreading.
The arrangements are being made as authorities prepare for two overlapping demands: maintaining access for the funeral procession and keeping regular city traffic moving. The route from Pune airport towards Donaje will be closely monitored as the mortal remains are taken to the farmhouse for the final rites.
The administration is also preparing for a large public gathering at the venue. Local authorities and the Public Works Department are putting arrangements in place at Donaje, while police are expected to regulate access around the farmhouse and manage crowds near the final-rites location.
The report said Patekar’s post-mortem was underway at Goa Medical College after his son reached Goa and completed the necessary formalities. Following the medical examination, the mortal remains were expected to be kept briefly at the hospital to allow people close to him to pay their respects before being taken to Mopa airport.
The evening movement plan will have to account for the combination of peak-hour traffic, the airport transfer, VIP travel and the expected turnout at Donaje. Police and local authorities are coordinating the route and diversion arrangements ahead of the anticipated arrival in Pune and the final rites later in the night.
