Pune: In response to the heavy rush of shoppers in the city’s central areas ahead of Diwali, Pune’s traffic police have introduced new traffic regulations to ease congestion.
Four-wheeled vehicles have been banned from entering specific parts of the central city, with the restrictions in place until November 5.
Prominent shopping zones such as Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Mandai, Shanipar, and Tulshibaug attract large crowds during Diwali. The narrow streets in these areas become clogged with vehicles, as shoppers flock to the market.
Many motorists park their vehicles haphazardly, contributing to severe traffic jams, and making it difficult for pedestrians to move around.
To tackle this issue, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amol Zende announced the new traffic plan, which will divert traffic away from the congested areas and enforce parking restrictions.
He stated that the changes will help manage the influx of vehicles and provide some relief to both drivers and pedestrians during the peak shopping period.
Details of the Traffic Changes
The following changes to vehicle movement have been implemented:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Road: Four-wheeled vehicles must turn at S. G. Barve Chowk (Modern Café Chowk) and proceed via Jangli Maharaj Road or Tilak Road to reach their destinations.
Vehicles coming from Swargate on Bajirao Road are not allowed. These vehicles must turn left at Puram Chowk on Tilak Road and continue via Tilak Chowk.
Traffic from Appa Balwant Chowk towards Hutatma Chowk (Budhwar Chowk) will be halted as needed, with drivers directed to use Bajirao Road instead.
If necessary, traffic from Phutka Buruj Chowk towards Jogeshwari Temple will be stopped.
Entry to Mandai via Shanipar Chowk and Kumthekar Road will be restricted.
Designated Parking Spaces
The traffic department has designated specific parking areas for shoppers. “Drivers are encouraged to park their vehicles at the Mandai parking lot, Hamalwada in Narayan Peth, or the Sane parking lot in Narayan Peth,” urged DCP Zhende. These steps aim to minimize the impact of the shopping crowd and keep the central areas clear of unnecessary vehicular congestion.