Pune Traffic Alert: Major Diversions for Municipal Elections; Full List of Closed Routes and Reroutes (Jan 14-16)
Pune, January 14, 2026: Commuters in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are advised to plan their travel carefully as the city’s traffic police implement a massive three-day diversion plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2026 Municipal Elections.
The Pune City and Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC) Police have issued official notifications restricting movement across key arterial roads starting today, January 14. These measures are designed to facilitate the distribution of polling materials, provide security for the public holiday on January 15 (Polling Day), and manage the crowds on January 16 (Counting Day).
Extensive Traffic Restrictions for PMC Election 2026
To manage the logistical scale of the 174-seat Pune Municipal Corporation election, DCP (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav has ordered road closures near distribution centers and strongrooms. The restrictions are primarily in effect from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though some areas near counting centers will remain restricted until late Friday night.
Major Diversions in Pune City
Key areas in Pune City are seeing significant rerouting to accommodate election staff and material transport:
- Vimantal (Airport Road): The roads behind Phoenix Mall and near the Solitaire building are closed to general traffic. Motorists are being diverted via Shrikrushna Hotel Chowk and Datta Mandir Chowk.
- Vishrambag and Central Pune: Traffic from Puram Chowk towards Tilak Road has been halted. Commuters should use Bajirao Road as an alternative.
- Koregaon Park: North Main Road near the Water Supply Centre is restricted. Vehicles are being rerouted through KP Junction and ABC Farm.
- Samarth Ward: Areas surrounding Power House to Banerjee Chowk and Sant Kabir Chowk are closed to ensure the security of polling material movement.
PCMC Traffic Police Notification and Election Updates
In Pimpri-Chinchwad, DCP Vivek Patil has announced similar measures, particularly around counting centers and strongrooms.
- Bhosari (Indrayani Nagar): Traffic near the Sant Dnyaneshwar Sports Ground (Distribution and Strongroom center) is heavily restricted. Vehicles heading toward the sports ground from the Spine Road side are being rerouted through alternative internal roads.
- Chikhli (Gharkul): The Town Hall area, which serves as a major distribution point, will see road closures on January 14 and 15.
- Chinchwad (Auto Cluster): Major restrictions will be in place around the Auto Cluster on January 16 for the counting process. Traffic from Jagtap Dairy Chowk towards Kalewadi Phata is being diverted via Kaspate Chowk or Kokane Chowk.
- Aundh-Rahatani (D-Ward): Roads leading to the D-Ward regional office (Strongroom location) will see staggered closures. Commuters are advised to use the BRT corridor near Jagtap Dairy as a primary alternative.
Public Holiday and Essential Services
The State Government has declared January 15 as a public holiday in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to encourage maximum voter turnout. While most commercial establishments will remain closed, essential services, including ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, are exempt from all traffic diversions. Vehicles on official election duty with valid permits are also allowed through restricted zones.
How to Navigate Pune Traffic Today
To avoid delays, residents are encouraged to use the following tips:
- Use GPS Navigation: Real-time updates on Pune traffic news live are being reflected on digital maps.
- Follow Social Media: Monitor the Pune City Traffic Police’s official handles for sudden updates.
- Plan Alternate Routes: If you are heading to the Pune Airport, leave at least 45 minutes earlier than usual due to the Airport Road Pune closure.
These Pune traffic diversions today are a temporary necessity to ensure the democratic process remains uninterrupted and secure for all citizens.
For more live updates on Pune, visit our Pune News Today page.
