Pune: In light of the expected crowds and to enhance public safety, the Pune City Traffic Police have imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles across key roads in the city. The restrictions aim to prevent potential hazards posed by heavy vehicles and ensure a secure environment for festival-goers.

The roads affected by these restrictions include:

• Shastri Road: From Senadatta Chowki to Alka Chowk

• Tilak Road: From Jedhe Chowk to Alka Chowk

• Kumthekar Road: From Shanipar to Alka Chowk

• Laxmi Road: From Sant Kabir Chowk to Alka Chowk

• Kelkar Road: From Futka Buruj to Alka Chowk

• Bajirao Road: From Puram Chowk to Gadgil Statue

• Shivaji Road: From Gadgil Statue to Jedhe Chowk

• Karve Road: From Nal Stop Chowk to Khandujibaba Chowk

• Fergusson College Road: From Khandujibaba Chowk to Veer Chapekar Chowk

• Jangli Maharaj Road: From S.G. Barve Chowk to Khandujibaba Chowk

• Sinhagad Road: From Rajaram Bridge to Savarkar Chowk

• Mudaliar/Ganesh Road: From Powerhouse to Daruwala to Jijamata Chowk to Futka Buruj Chowk

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic Branch), Amol Zhende, announced that from September 5, 2024, until September 18, 2024, heavy vehicles will be prohibited 24 hours a day on specified roads.

This ban excludes essential service vehicles such as fire brigades, police vehicles, ambulances, and those transporting Ganesh idols and tableaux.

With the onset of Ganeshotsav, Pune's central areas are set to experience a surge in foot traffic as citizens gather for festive shopping and to view various Ganesh tableaux.

The aim of these measures is to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and safely during the Ganeshotsav festivities, minimizing the risks to pedestrians and festival attendees.