Shivaji Road Closes and Other Routes Divert for Ganeshotsav 2025
Pune’s traffic authorities have unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage the anticipated congestion during the Ganeshotsav festivities. The advisory, which outlines road closures and diversions, is a strategic effort to prioritise pedestrian safety and public transport, aligning with the city’s broader agenda of fostering zero-net-carbon and equitable public spaces. By encouraging the use of public transport and discouraging private vehicles, officials are striving to reduce the carbon footprint of the festival, transforming a period of high vehicular traffic into an opportunity for eco-friendly urban living. This initiative underscores a commitment to creating cities that are both culturally rich and environmentally responsible, ensuring that residents can celebrate without compromising on sustainability goals.
The Ganeshotsav period, which includes the idol purchase and installation phase from August 25 to 27, and the main procession on September 6, is known for its high-density crowds and vehicular movement. To mitigate this, a high-ranking traffic official has ordered temporary changes to key routes. One of the most significant changes is the complete closure of Shivaji Road from Gadgil Putla Chowk to Gotiram Maiyya Chowk. Commuters are being redirected to alternative routes such as Santaji Ghorpade Path, Kumbharves Chowk, and Shahir Amar Sheikh Chowk. This proactive measure not only eases traffic bottlenecks but also creates a safer environment for the thousands of devotees who will be visiting the numerous pandals and idol-selling stalls located in the area.
In addition to road closures, the authorities have designated specific one-way routes and no-parking zones to maintain a smooth flow of traffic. On Sinhagad Road, while the main thoroughfare will remain open, a strict no-parking policy has been enforced to prevent congestion. To accommodate the influx of visitors, dedicated temporary parking spots have been set up at various locations, including a section of Justice Ranade Path and the riverbed road between Tilak Bridge and Bhide Bridge. These measures are designed to manage the surge in footfall without leading to chaotic and gridlocked streets, which would in turn increase vehicular emissions.
The traffic plan also extends to public transport, with significant diversions announced for the PMPML bus service. Buses that typically travel from Shivajinagar to Swargate via Shivaji Road will now be rerouted, bypassing Junglee Maharaj Road and Tilak Chowk. This strategic adjustment aims to keep public transport moving efficiently, thereby encouraging more citizens to opt for buses over private cars. This shift is crucial for Pune’s goal of reducing its overall carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable urban ecosystem.
Furthermore, the advisory extends to areas like Keshavnagar and Mundhwa, where temporary one-way traffic will be implemented to manage crowds, and heavy vehicles will be prohibited. These micro-level adjustments reflect a detailed and granular approach to traffic management, tailored to the unique challenges of each locality. The focus is on creating a network of diversions that ensures minimal disruption for commuters while prioritising the safety and convenience of pedestrians. By providing a clear framework for movement, the traffic police are not just managing congestion but are actively working to build a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious city, where citizens can celebrate their traditions without compromising on the health of the urban environment. The effectiveness of these measures will be a key indicator of Pune’s ability to balance its rapid urbanisation with its sustainability objectives.
