Pune district authorities have announced extensive traffic diversions on the Pune–Pandharpur Palkhi route (National Highway 965) and the Pune–Baramati road from July 10 to 15 to facilitate the smooth movement of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi. The changes have been made to ensure the safety of lakhs of Warkaris and to prevent traffic congestion during the annual pilgrimage.
According to a notification issued by District Collector Jitendra Dudi, the Palkhi will halt at Jejuri on July 13, Walha on July 14 and Nira on July 15. Around seven to eight lakh devotees are expected to walk in the procession, accompanied by hundreds of Dindi vehicles, making traffic restrictions necessary on the main pilgrimage route.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi and Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeepsingh Gill have appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration by avoiding the notified roads and using alternate routes during the six-day period.
Jejuri (Belsar Phata) | July 10–13 (8 pm to 8 pm): Vehicles travelling from Baramati, Phaltan and Satara towards Pune will be diverted via Belsar Phata – Waghapur Chowk – Uruli Kanchan.
Jejuri (Belsar Phata) | July 13–14 (8 pm to 8 pm): Traffic moving from Pune, Saswad and Uruli towards Satara, Phaltan, Lonand and Baramati will be diverted through Belsar – Kothale – Nazare – Kala Odha – Morgaon.
Morgaon Chowk and Paragaon Memane | July 14 (3 pm) to July 15 (11 pm): Vehicles heading from Pune and Saswad towards Satara, Phaltan and Baramati will be diverted via Morgaon – Loni Bhapkar – Korhale.
Paragaon Memane | July 11–13: Traffic coming from Saswad and Jejuri towards Pune will be diverted through Uruli Kanchan.
Nira (Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk) | July 10–15: Vehicles travelling from Satara, Phaltan and Lonand to Pune via Jejuri and Saswad will be diverted through Nira – Morgaon – Supa – Kadegaon Chowfula.
Jeur Phata Bypass | July 10–15: Vehicles travelling from Satara and Phaltan towards Pune will be rerouted via Jeur Phata – Mandki – Veer – Sarola, connecting to the Satara Highway.
Saswad | July 13–15: Traffic from Pune towards Satara and Phaltan will be diverted through Saswad – Narayanpur – Kapurhol or Saswad – Vari Phata – Parinche – Veer – Wathar Colony – Lonand. Vehicles heading to Baramati will be routed via Saswad – Paragaon Memane – Pisarve – Supa.
Supa | July 12–14: Vehicles travelling from Baramati and Nira towards Pune will be diverted through Kadegaon Chowfula.
Lonand (Satara district) | July 14 (5 am) to July 15 (11 pm): Vehicles travelling from Lonand towards Pune via Nira will be diverted through Shirwal – Kapurhol – Khed Shivapur.
The administration has advised commuters to check traffic updates before travelling and strictly follow diversion routes to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession.