Pune traffic diversion measures have been introduced on Pune-Satara Road and around Market Yard as construction begins for the Swargate-Katraj underground metro corridor. The changes took effect from Monday, October 19, on an experimental basis and will remain in force until further orders, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare of the traffic branch.
The restrictions affect vehicles approaching Pushpamangal Chowk from Upper Bibwewadi through Chandralok Chowk. Vehicles heading towards Swargate, Market Yard or Utsav Hotel will not be allowed to turn right at Pushpamangal Chowk. They must instead turn left, use the U-turn near the Arneshwar bus stop in front of the Tanishq showroom and proceed towards Swargate.
Vehicles travelling from Pushpamangal Chowk towards Market Yard or Utsav Hotel Chowk will also be prohibited from taking a right turn. Drivers have been instructed to continue ahead and take a U-turn near Adinath Society before proceeding towards their destination.
A separate restriction applies to vehicles travelling from Utsav Hotel Chowk towards Swargate. Vehicles coming from Market Yard or Utsav Hotel Chowk will not be permitted to turn right towards Swargate. They may use the route through Pushpamangal Chowk, the Tanishq showroom and the Arneshwar bus stop to take a U-turn. Alternatively, vehicles from Market Yard may travel through Vakhar Mahamandal Chowk.
Traffic travelling towards Satara, Katraj and Bibwewadi will follow a designated route from the Swargate and Market Yard sides. Vehicles from Swargate heading towards Satara Road, as well as those travelling from Market Yard towards Satara, Katraj and Bibwewadi, will be directed through the area near Wellness Medical and Bhapkar Petrol Pump before proceeding via Pushpamangal Chowk.
The diversion is linked to construction work on the underground metro route between Swargate and Katraj. The changes are intended to manage vehicle movement around the work zone and reduce congestion while construction activity continues. The affected roads connect several busy parts of southern Pune, including Swargate, Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Katraj and the Satara Road corridor.
The traffic branch has asked motorists to use the alternative routes and follow instructions from traffic police personnel and volunteers deployed in the area. Since the arrangements are experimental, the traffic movement plan may remain subject to operational changes until further orders are issued by the authorities.
