Pune-Satara Highway Alert: Traffic Blockage Near Navale Bridge from February 3 to 5
Pune, January 31, 2026: In a significant move to curb speeding and enhance road safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a temporary traffic block on the Pune-Satara Highway for three days starting February 3, 2026.
The restriction will affect the stretch between the New Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge. The closure is necessitated by the installation of speed-monitoring camera gantries, a critical infrastructure project aimed at reducing the high accident rate on this notorious corridor.
Key Details of the Traffic Diversion:
- Dates: February 3 to February 5, 2026.
- Timing: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM (2 hours daily).
- Affected Direction: Traffic moving from Satara toward Mumbai/Pune City.
- Closure Points: New Katraj Tunnel to Navale Bridge.
Alternative Routes for Commuters
The NHAI Project Director has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance to avoid peak-hour congestion. During the two-hour work window, heavy and light vehicles are advised to use the following alternatives:
- Old Katraj Ghat/Tunnel: For those heading toward the city or Mumbai.
- Service Roads: Local traffic should utilize the highway service lanes to bypass the gantry installation site.
Focus on Safety
The Navale Bridge area has long been a “black spot” for local authorities due to frequent collisions caused by over-speeding. The new high-tech camera gantries are expected to provide 24/7 surveillance and automatic speed enforcement.
Traffic police personnel will be stationed at the New Katraj Tunnel exit to guide motorists toward the diversions. Authorities have assured that the work will be executed swiftly within the two-hour window to ensure the highway is fully operational before the heavy morning rush.
