Pune Traffic Update: traffic restrictions and diversions have been introduced near four major temples in the city during Navratri to manage expected crowds of devotees. The changes affect routes around Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple, Shri Chatushrungi Temple, Shri Bhawani Mata Temple in Bhavani Peth and Shri Mahalakshmi Temple at Sarasbaug.
The restrictions around Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple in Budhwar Peth began on Sunday, October 11. The road between Appa Balwant Chowk and Budhwar Chowk, also known as Hutatma Chowk, has been closed to traffic. One-way traffic will continue between Budhwar Chowk and Appa Balwant Chowk, according to Traffic Branch Deputy Commissioner Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare.
The road between Ganpati Chowk on Laxmi Road and Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple will also remain closed. The road behind Shaniwar Wada leading towards the temple has been closed to all vehicles except those providing essential services. Parking has been prohibited near Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple and around Shri Ashtabhuja Temple in Shaniwar Peth.
Devotees visiting Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple have been asked to park their vehicles on the riverbed road or at the Mandai parking facility. The parking restrictions are intended to keep the immediate temple approaches clear as visitor numbers rise during the festival.
Traffic around Shri Chatushrungi Temple on Senapati Bapat Road will be diverted if crowding increases. In that situation, vehicles on Senapati Bapat Road will be redirected through Vetalbaba Chowk, Deep Bungalow Chowk and Om Super Market. The traffic police have indicated that the diversion will be implemented in response to local crowd conditions.
Restrictions have also been announced around Shri Bhawani Mata Temple in Bhavani Peth. Traffic travelling towards the temple via Nehru Road will be stopped, and vehicle parking will not be permitted on the stretch between Nehru Road and the temple area. Further changes to traffic movement on Nehru Road will be made if congestion increases, the report said.
A separate traffic arrangement will be in force near Shri Mahalakshmi Temple at Sarasbaug on Monday, October 12, from 5 am to 7 am for a Shri Sukta recitation programme. The road from Swargate through Sarasbaug towards the Swatantryaveer Savarkar statue will be closed during that period. The route from Mitramandal Chowk towards Puram Chowk will also remain closed.
Vehicles approaching from Mitramandal Chowk have been directed to travel via Savarkar Chowk and Sinhagad Road to reach their destinations. Vehicles coming towards Savarkar Chowk on Sinhagad Road have been advised to use Lakshminarayan Chowk instead. The traffic police have appealed to motorists and devotees to follow the restrictions and use the designated alternative routes during the festival period.
