Pune City Traffic Police have announced significant traffic changes in the Sarasbaug area ahead of the Navratri Mahotsav 2024 celebrations at Shri Mahalaxmi Temple.
The changes, effective from Friday (October 4), are intended to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the highly anticipated Shri Suktam / Atharvashirsha recitation by women, which will take place from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amol Zhende, has urged commuters to take note of the temporary traffic restrictions in the area.
As per the revised traffic arrangements, vehicles will not be allowed on the following routes between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM on October 4:
Jedhe Chowk to Savarkar Chowk via Bajirao Road: Traffic will be diverted from the Jamnalal Bajaj statue toward Puram Chowk.
Mitra Mandal Chowk to Puram Chowk: Traffic will be redirected to Sinhgad Road Junction.
Sinhgad Road to Savarkar Chowk: Entry will be closed at Savarkar Chowk, and vehicles will be routed via Mitra Mandal Chowk.
These temporary changes are crucial to avoid bottlenecks and allow devotees to participate in the religious event without disruption. Essential service vehicles such as police, fire trucks, and ambulances will have unrestricted access.
Arrangements for Other Temples During Navratri
Traffic arrangements have been implemented at other major temples in Pune, including Chatuhshrungi Devi Mandir, Bhavani Mata Mandir, and Tambdi Jogeshwari Mandir.
Appa Balwant Chowk: The road from Appa Balwant Chowk to Budhwar Chowk will be closed to traffic, allowing one-way movement from Budhwar Chowk to Appa Balwant Chowk.
Bhavani Mata Temple: The road from Ramoshi Gate to Old Motor Stand on Mahatma Phule Road will be blocked for all vehicles except essential services. A no-parking zone will be enforced.
Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple: Entry from Lakshmi Road (Ganpati Chowk) to the temple will be restricted for all vehicles except essential services.
To ensure hassle-free travel, devotees are encouraged to use alternative routes and park in designated areas, such as the Mandai Parking Lot or the riverbed road between Tilak Bridge and Bhide Bridge.