Pune traffic diversions have been put in place across the city centre from 6 am on Tuesday, September 29, as large crowds are expected at the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple for Angarki Chaturthi. The changes will remain in force until the crowds disperse, according to the traffic police.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, said the diversion plan was introduced to keep traffic moving through central Pune. Emergency-service vehicles, ambulances and fire brigade vehicles have been exempted from the restrictions.
Traffic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road is being diverted through alternate routes. Vehicles travelling towards Swargate from the central area have been directed to use the route through S.G. Barve Chowk, also known as Modern Cafe Chowk, Jungli Maharaj Road, Jhansi Rani Chowk, Khanduji Baba Chowk, Tilak Chowk and Tilak Road before continuing to their destination.
The road between Appa Balwant Chowk and Budhwar Chowk, also known as Hutatma Chowk, will remain closed to regular traffic. Vehicles from Appa Balwant Chowk have been advised to use Bajirao Road to reach their destinations.
Additional changes have been made for public transport. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited buses travelling from Shivajinagar towards Swargate will operate through Jungli Maharaj Road, Deccan Gymkhana and Tilak Road instead of their regular route through the affected central stretches.
Traffic movement in Kasba Peth has also been modified on Ganesh Road. Vehicles have been directed to travel through Apollo Cinema Chowk, Daruwala Bridge and the Dudh Bhatti route in Ganesh Peth before proceeding towards their destinations.
Traffic travelling from Jijamata Chowk on Chhatrapati Shivaji Road towards Pune railway station through Ganesh Road has been diverted. Vehicles using this connection have been directed through Gadgil Putla Chowk, Kumbharwada Chowk, Pawale Chowk and Sat Toti Chowk.
The traffic restrictions have been introduced specifically in response to the expected movement of devotees around the Dagdusheth temple during the festival. The police have advised motorists to use the designated alternate routes while the restrictions remain active. The order will continue until crowd conditions in the central area improve.
