The Pune Traffic Police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of the arrival of the Ashadhi Wari Palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, which will enter Pune city together on July 9.
With lakhs of Warkaris expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage, authorities have imposed temporary traffic restrictions and diversions across the city to ensure smooth movement of the procession and public safety.
The traffic order has been issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The restrictions will remain in force on different dates between July 7 and July 12, depending on the movement of the Palkhis.
Heavy Vehicles Prohibited
From 12 am on July 8 until midnight on July 11, the entry of heavy and oversized vehicles, including dumpers, concrete mixers and other slow-moving vehicles, has been completely prohibited within Pune city limits. Internal movement of such vehicles has also been banned during this period. However, emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, police vehicles, fuel tankers and vehicles related to marriage ceremonies have been exempted.
Entry Restrictions at Major Junctions
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed beyond several major entry points, including:
Bopodi Chowk (Harris Bridge, Khadki)
Rajiv Gandhi Bridge, Aundh
Bremen Chowk, Aundh
Bopkhel Phata, Vishrantwadi
Kharadi Bypass Chowk
Kharadi Octroi Naka
Lonikand (Theur Phata)
Kesnand village and Kesnand Phata
Tulapur Phata
Radha Chowk, Baner
Sus Road, Pashan
Chandni Chowk
Warje Junction
Wadgaon Bridge, Dhayari
Bhumkar Chowk
Katraj Chowk
Khadi Machine Chowk, Kondhwa
Manjari/Manterwadi Phata
Vaiduwadi Chowk, Hadapsar
Theur Phata, Loni Kalbhor
Dive Ghat (Ghat Top)
Navale Bridge
Ravi Darshan, Hadapsar
Alternative Routes for Intercity Traffic
To prevent congestion inside Pune, motorists travelling between Mumbai, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur and Sangli have been advised to use alternative highways.
Vehicles travelling from Solapur, Ahmednagar or Nashik towards Mumbai should use the Chaufula–Kedgaon–Pargaon–Nhavare route before joining the Nagar Road corridor.
Vehicles travelling from Mumbai towards Ahmednagar or Solapur have been advised to travel via Alephata and then continue through Nhavare, Kedgaon and Chaufula.
Vehicles from Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara heading towards Ahmednagar should take the Shirwal–Nira–Morgaon–Supe–Kedgaon–Chaufula–Nhavare–Shirur route.
Additional Restrictions on July 11–12
As Sant Tukaram Maharaj's Palkhi will leave Loni Kalbhor early on July 12 for Pandharpur via Yavat, traffic towards Solapur from Theur Phata will remain closed from 11 pm on July 11 until the Palkhi crosses the route.
Motorists travelling towards Solapur have been advised to take diversions via:
Theur village–Kesnand–Wagholi/Lonikand–Nagar Road–Shikrapur–Nhavare–Daund.
Vehicles from Pune can use the Magarpatta–Kharadi Bypass–Nagar Road–Shikrapur–Nhavare–Kedgaon–Chaufula route.
Traffic from Khadi Machine Chowk should proceed via Katraj or Bopdev Ghat depending on the destination.
Earlier Restrictions Around Alandi
The traffic police also imposed restrictions from 10pm on July 7 till midnight on July 8 due to the Alandi leg of the pilgrimage.
During this period:
Entry towards Alandi from Lonikand–Tulapur–Markal was closed.
Entry towards Alandi via Vishrantwadi–Bopkhel Phata was prohibited.
Vehicles from Wakdewadi and Harris Bridge (Khadki) were not allowed towards Nashik Phata and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Key Roads to Remain Closed
The Pune Traffic Police have informed that:
On July 9, the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway and Alandi Road will remain completely closed during the Palkhi movement.
On July 11, the Pune–Solapur Highway and Pune–Saswad Road will remain closed along the procession route.
Petrol and diesel tankers wishing to operate on other days during the restrictions will require prior permission from the Pune Traffic Branch.
The Pune Traffic Police have appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel on affected routes, follow diversion signs, and cooperate with police personnel to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Ashadhi Wari procession.
