Pune: Due to the serious accidents and frequent traffic congestion caused by heavy vehicles in Lonavala city, District Collector Suhas Divase has issued a permanent daytime ban on heavy vehicles in the area. This measure aims to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, as well as to improve traffic flow in the city.

The ban affects the section between the Manashakti Center in Lonavala and Battery Hill in Khandala, with heavy traffic on the Mumbai-Pune highway being diverted to alternative routes. Heavy vehicles are now urged to use the expressway to bypass the city.

Lonavala and Khandala are popular destinations for tourists from Mumbai and Pune, especially during the monsoon season. The influx of visitors on weekends exacerbates the congestion, as trucks and containers passing through the city slow down traffic and create bottlenecks. To alleviate this issue, the ban on heavy vehicles will be enforced daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

District Collector Suhas Divase emphasized the necessity of this measure, stating that heavy vehicles have been responsible for numerous accidents in the area. By redirecting these vehicles to the expressway, the authorities hope to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow for everyone.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to cooperate with the new regulations and use the designated routes to help maintain safety and order on the roads.