Pune: A student protest demanding the inclusion of 258 positions from the Agriculture Department in the upcoming Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exam caused significant traffic congestion in Pune's central (Peth) areas for the third consecutive day.

The protest, which began on Tuesday (August 20) night on Shastri Road, led to the blockage of a major road, disrupting the daily commute of thousands of residents.

The protesting students, who are preparing for competitive exams, staged a sit-in on one side of Shastri Road, prompting a substantial police presence to maintain order.

However, the blockade of this key thoroughfare led to severe traffic jams in the surrounding areas, including Sadashiv Peth, Navi (Sadashiv) Peth, Shastri Road, and Tilak Road.

The situation was exacerbated by the ongoing preparations for the Ganesh festival in the narrow lanes, where trucks and tempos delivering festival materials further restricted road access.

The situation deteriorated further in the afternoon when heavy rainfall hit the city, making it even more challenging for drivers to navigate the congested streets. Traffic police were seen struggling to manage the flow of vehicles and alleviate the gridlock.

By late afternoon, the police, having run out of patience, resorted to using force to disperse the protesting students.

Around 5 PM, the students were detained and taken to the Vishrambaug Police Station, bringing an end to the road blockade but leaving behind a trail of disrupted traffic and frustrated commuters.