Pune, 12th September 2026: Pune traffic police have announced major changes to the city's traffic arrangements from September 12 to 14 in view of the expected rush for Ganpati idol purchases and installations. The restrictions will remain in effect from 6 am to midnight on all three days.
The measures have been introduced to prevent congestion around major markets and roads as large numbers of residents are expected to travel to purchase Ganpati idols.
The stretch of Shivaji Road between Gadgil Putala Chowk and Gotiram Bhaiyya Chowk will be closed to traffic during the specified period. Vehicles will be diverted through Santaji Ghorpade Path, Kumbharwesh Chowk, Shahir Amar Shaikh Chowk and other connecting roads.
Vehicles travelling from Shivajinagar towards Swargate will be diverted through S.G. Barve Chowk, Jangli Maharaj Road, Khandojibaba Chowk and Tilak Chowk. Vehicles heading towards Kumbharwesh will also be directed through alternative routes, including the Mangal Cinema Lane, Kumbharwesh and Premier Garage Chowk areas.
Traffic will continue to move in both directions between Savarkar Putala Chowk and Samadhan Bhel Centre on Singhgad Road. However, parking will not be allowed along this stretch.
Parking facilities will be available at selected locations, including:
Mitramandal Chowk to Patil Plaza
Jamnalal Bajaj Putala to Puram Chowk, on the left side of the road
Nilayam Bridge to Singhgad Road Junction
Traffic movement will also be modified in the Keshavnagar-Mundhwa area. Vehicles travelling from Shivaji Maharaj Chowk towards Manjari will be diverted through Gayaran Vasti Road and Vihan Sosa Road before joining Manjari Road.
Vehicles coming from Kharadi Bridge will be directed through Renuka Mata Temple, Vihan Sosa Road and Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the Shivaji Chowk-Mundhwa Chowk to Kalyani Bungalow Road stretch and between Shivaji Chowk and Z Corner in Keshavnagar.
Traffic police have arranged designated parking spaces at several locations to make idol shopping easier and reduce roadside parking.
These include:
Nyaymurti Ranade Path: Kamgar Putala Chowk to Shivaji Putala
Veer Santaji Ghorpade Path: Municipal Bill Payment Centre to Gadgil Putala Chowk
Riverbed road: Tilak Bridge to Bhide Bridge
Mandai: Minerva and Aryan parking lots
Shahu Chowk (Fadgate Chowki Chowk) to Rashtrabhushan Chowk: left side of the road only
Traffic police have appealed to citizens to use public transport wherever possible, follow traffic instructions and avoid parking in restricted areas.
Officials said traffic routes may be changed further depending on the situation. Motorists have therefore been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid congestion.