Pune, Maharashtra: Extensive traffic diversions and alterations to public bus routes have been implemented across Pune and its twin city Pimpri-Chinchwad to manage the large gatherings expected for the observance of Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14.
The Pune Traffic Police, in conjunction with the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), have put in place a series of restrictions and alternative arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety during the Jayanti celebrations. These measures are effective from April 13 and will continue through April 14, with some diversions extending into the early hours of April 15 in certain areas.
Significant changes are being observed in the Dandekar Bridge area, where route diversions are in effect from April 13. Buses on routes including 12, 42, and 299 are being rerouted via Sanas Statue, Nilayam Talkies, Mangir Baba Chowk, and Lokmanya Nagar. Other affected routes include 15, 17, 47, 50, 52, 52A, 97, 117, 118, and 118A, which are operating through Sarasbaug, Senadatta Police Chowky, Rajendranagar, Bal Shivaji Chowk, Mhasoba Chowk, and Dattawadi before rejoining their regular paths.
The Pune Railway Station area is also experiencing substantial traffic adjustments due to anticipated crowds at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar statue. Buses originating from Dr. Ambedkar Station, Sassoon Road, and Maldhakka bus stand are now operating from the Petit bus stand at the Pune Station depot. Return journeys for these buses will traverse Wadia College, Alankar Chowk, and the Petit bus stand. Several other routes to and from Pune Station are being diverted via Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, Alankar Chowk, Narpatgiri Chowk, KEM Hospital area, Employment Office, Rasta Peth Power House, Lal Deul, and Police Headquarters, depending on the specific route numbers.
In the Wadgaon Sheri and Kharadi regions, traffic modifications commenced on April 13 and are slated to continue until midnight on April 14. Route 165 buses may experience curtailments to Matchwell Company if road closures are enforced. Routes 153, 234, and 235 are bypassing Tata Guard Room, operating instead via Nagar Road, Chandan Nagar bypass, Durga Mata Mandir, and Radisson Hotel.
The Pimpri Chowk area will see diversions in place from April 13 to early April 14. Bus routes including 42, 122, 123, 139, 139A, 262, 281, 317, 336, 337, and 366 are rerouted via the Dairy Farm Grade Separator. Metro Shuttle 32 and routes in the 331 and 344 series will operate via H.A. Corner, Rasrang Chowk, Auto Cluster, Mother Teresa Bridge, and Vijaynagar. Routes 302, 356, and B1 are diverted through Vijaynagar and Pimpri village, while route 334 is rerouted via KSB Chowk.
Traffic restrictions are also in effect in Rahatani village, with movement prohibited between Rahatani Phata Chowk and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Chowk. Heavy vehicles are restricted from Kunal Hotel to Nakhate Vasti Chowk. Alternative routes for vehicles from Rahatani Phata towards Rahatani village and from Kunal Hotel involve utilizing the Kalewadi Phata route.
Further diversions are in place in Vishrantwadi, with vehicles heading towards Alandi and Bhosari being rerouted via Chandrama Chowk and Holkar Bridge. Entry from Airport Road and Sapras Chowk towards Vishrantwadi is restricted.
The city police have emphasized that these measures are necessary to manage the large influx of people attending various events and processions across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and adhere to traffic police instructions to avoid inconvenience.
The Chenab Times News Desk