Pune Traffic Restrictions: Heavy Vehicles Banned on Key City Roads on Weekends Until Diwali
Pune Traffic Police have temporarily banned heavy vehicles on Bajirao Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road (Shivaji Road) on Saturdays and Sundays until the Diwali festival concludes, to manage traffic congestion caused by festive shopping.
The order was issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sandeep Bhajibhakre under relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The restrictions came into effect on Sunday, October 25, and apply throughout the day on every Saturday and Sunday during the specified period.
Trucks, dumpers, mixers, trailers and other heavy goods vehicles will not be permitted on the two roads. The move is aimed at easing traffic around busy shopping areas, including Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road and Tulshibaug, where festive crowds have increased pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Central Pune and the Peth areas witnessed severe congestion and long queues over the weekend, particularly on Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road and Kelkar Road. Vehicles entering no-entry zones, double parking and illegal parking in no-parking areas further disrupted traffic movement.
“The permission previously granted to heavy vehicles to use Bajirao Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road on Saturdays and Sundays has been temporarily withdrawn. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on these two roads during the specified period,” DCP Sandeep Bhajibhakre said.
He said the restrictions are intended to prevent congestion, ensure public safety, improve traffic management and maintain smooth movement in market areas.
Transporters and heavy vehicle operators have been advised to schedule deliveries on weekdays or use alternative routes on weekends. Shoppers and commuters have been urged to use PMPML buses, Pune Metro, shared autos, two-wheelers or walk where feasible.
The traffic police have also advised motorists to allow extra travel time, park only in designated pay-and-park areas, avoid stopping on main roads and follow traffic signs and police instructions.
