Pune traffic restrictions on goods vehicles have come into force across the city’s central market areas as the Diwali shopping rush increases footfall and road congestion. The restrictions began on October 26 and will remain in place until November 12, with deliveries and unloading allowed only between 9 pm and 9 am.
The Pune Traffic Police order covers several of the city’s busiest commercial and shopping locations, including Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Tilak Road, Bajirao Road, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Shanipar, Tulshibaug, Bohri Ali in Raviwar Peth, Ganesh Peth, Shukrawar Peth, Pasodya Vithoba Chowk, Moti Chowk and Tapkir Galli in Budhwar Peth.
These areas see increased pedestrian and vehicle movement during the festive season as shoppers from across Pune and its suburbs visit markets to buy clothes and other Diwali items. The traffic police said the daytime movement of goods vehicles could worsen congestion and inconvenience shoppers and other road users during this period.
Under the temporary arrangement, goods vehicles will not be permitted to enter the designated market areas during the day. Transporters have been directed to plan deliveries, unloading and related movements during the permitted overnight window, from 9 pm to 9 am.
The restriction affects the movement of commercial supplies into some of Pune’s most concentrated retail districts. The listed areas include major roads and market clusters where pedestrian activity, shopfront access and vehicle movement overlap during the festive shopping period. The traffic police’s stated objective is to prevent additional congestion in these locations while the seasonal increase in shoppers continues.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre said the restrictions were imposed in view of the expected rise in shoppers during the festive season. He appealed to goods transporters to follow the designated timings and avoid entering the restricted market areas during the daytime.
For retailers and transport operators serving the affected markets, the order requires delivery schedules to be adjusted during the restriction period. Shoppers and other road users will continue to access the commercial areas, while goods-vehicle entry will be regulated through the specified overnight delivery hours until November 12.