Pune: In an effort to reduce the risk of accidents and alleviate traffic congestion, a partial ban on heavy and medium vehicles has been implemented on the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur road during peak hours.

Starting Sunday, August 4, the ban will be enforced from 8 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, as per the order issued by Vishal Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner of the Traffic Branch of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate.

This decision follows a strong push from Maval MLA Sunil Shelke, who had urged Police Commissioner Vinaykumar Chaubey through written communication and phone discussions to enforce a 12-hour daytime ban on heavy vehicles on this road.

The Police Commissioner, recognizing the gravity of the situation, instructed the Deputy Commissioner of the Traffic Branch to take immediate action, resulting in the issuance of the relevant orders.

The Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur road, part of National Highway No. 548D, is a critical link between the industrial estates of Talegaon, Chakan, and Ranjangaon.

The road experiences heavy traffic, including light, medium, and heavy vehicles, as well as pedestrians. Frequent traffic jams and accidents, both minor and serious, have led to significant loss of life on this road. To enhance traffic safety and flow, the ban on heavy and medium vehicles during peak hours has been deemed essential.

In a statement, the traffic branch of Pimpri-Chinchwad urged drivers to avoid using this road with heavy and medium vehicles during the restricted hours.

Persistent Push for a 12-Hour Ban

MLA Sunil Shelke reiterated his demand for a 12-hour daytime ban on heavy vehicles on the Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur road, citing ongoing concerns.

However, entrepreneurs have raised issues regarding the disruption of timely raw material supplies due to the ban. To address these concerns and resolve traffic congestion, traffic branch officers have requested a short period to develop a balanced solution.

This may involve setting up parking facilities for heavy vehicles at various locations throughout the day and ensuring coordination between city and rural police forces. Until then, the current three-hour morning and three-hour evening restrictions will remain in effect, Shelke confirmed.