Pune New Year 2026: Major Traffic Diversions Announced at Busy Junctions
Pune: As the city prepares to welcome 2026, the Pune Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory regarding traffic changes effective from 5:00 PM on December 31, 2025, until the crowds disperse. Popular celebration hubs like MG Road in Camp and Fergusson College (FC) Road in Deccan will see the strictest restrictions, with certain stretches designated as ‘No Vehicle Zones.’
Key Traffic Diversions in Camp (Lashkar) Area
The Camp area, particularly MG Road, traditionally attracts thousands of revelers. To manage this, the following changes will be in place:
- MG Road Closure: Traffic from Y-Junction towards MG Road will be halted at 15 August Chowk and diverted via Qureshi Masjid and Sujata Mastani Chowk.
- Iskcon Temple Route: Vehicles coming from Iskcon Temple towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Statue and Aurora Towers will be diverted via SBI House Chowk, Teen Tofa Chowk, and Lashkar Police Station.
- Volga Chowk: Traffic from Volga Chowk to Mohammed Rafi Chowk will be rerouted through East Street and Indira Gandhi Chowk.
- Sarbatwala Chowk: Movement towards Mahaveer Chowk will be blocked and diverted via Taboot Street.
Restrictions in Deccan (FC Road & JM Road)
To prevent gridlock in the Deccan Gymkhana area, the police have implemented several diversions:
- FC Road No-Entry: Vehicular traffic from Khandojibaba Chowk towards FC Road will be restricted. Commuters are advised to use Law College Road, Prabhat Road, or the route via Alka Talkies.
- Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road: Depending on the crowd density, traffic from Jhansi Rani Chowk towards JM Road may be closed and redirected via the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) building and Shivaji Road.
- No Vehicle Zone: Large sections of FC Road and MG Road will be converted into pedestrian-only zones to ensure the safety of citizens celebrating on the streets.
Zero-Tolerance Against Drunk Driving
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav has emphasized a “Zero Tolerance” policy for New Year’s Eve. Over 30 checkpoints (nakabandi) have been established across the city to conduct breathalyzer tests. Motorists are urged to use cabs or designated drivers, as repeat offenders may face vehicle confiscation and license suspension.
Emergency Services Exempted
The traffic police have clarified that these restrictions will not apply to emergency service vehicles, including ambulances, fire tenders, and police vans.
Citizens are advised to plan their travel in advance and use public transport where possible to avoid congestion during the year-end festivities.
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