Pune traffic police have announced temporary road closures, one-way movement and parking restrictions around four major temples during Navratri, with changes affecting routes near Tambdi Jogeshwari, Chatushrungi, Bhavanipeth and Sarasbaug. Citizens have been asked to use alternative routes and avoid parking near the temple precincts.
The main restrictions began on Sunday, October 11, around the Shri Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple in Budhwar Peth, where large crowds are expected during the festival. The road between Appa Balwant Chowk and Budhwar Chowk, also known as Hutatma Chowk, has been closed to traffic. One-way movement will continue from Budhwar Chowk towards Appa Balwant Chowk.
The road between Ganpati Chowk on Laxmi Road and the Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple will also remain closed. The approach road to the temple will be restricted to all vehicles except those used for essential services. Parking has been prohibited around the temple, as well as near the Shri Ashtabhuja Temple area in Shaniwar Peth.
Devotees visiting Tambdi Jogeshwari Temple have been advised to park their vehicles on the riverbed road or at the Mandai parking facility. The directions were issued by the traffic branch after assessing the expected increase in pedestrian and vehicle movement around the religious sites.
Traffic near the Shri Chatushrungi Temple on Senapati Bapat Road will be diverted if crowd levels increase. Under the proposed diversion, vehicles may be directed through Vetalbaba Chowk towards Deep Bungalow Chowk and then via Om Super Market. The diversion will be activated according to the traffic situation in the area.
Further changes have been announced around the Shri Bhavanimata Temple in Bhavanipeth. Traffic approaching the temple through Nehru Road will be stopped, and vehicle parking will not be permitted on the stretch between Nehru Road and the temple precinct. Additional changes on Nehru Road may be introduced if crowding intensifies.
A separate restriction will operate around the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple at Sarasbaug on Monday, October 12, between 5 am and 7 am during the Shri Sukt recitation. The road from Swargate through Sarasbaug towards the Swatantryaveer Savarkar statue will be closed. The route from Mitramandal Chowk towards Puram Chowk will also remain closed during this period.
Vehicles arriving from Mitramandal Chowk have been directed to proceed through Savarkar Chowk and Sinhagad Road towards their destinations. Vehicles travelling along Sinhagad Road towards Savarkar Chowk have been asked to use Laxminarayan Chowk instead. The traffic branch has urged motorists to plan journeys in advance and follow police instructions near the affected temple routes.
