Rising Thefts and Traffic Chaos Prompt Pune APMC Traders to Call Bandh on February 25

Market Yard, 20th February 2026: Pune’s bustling wholesale trade at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Market Yard is set to come to a halt on February 25, as traders have announced a one-day bandh to protest what they describe as deteriorating security and mounting traffic disorder within the premises.

The decision was finalised during a meeting convened by the Poona Merchants Chamber under the leadership of its president, Rajendra Bhatia. Representatives from various trading segments participated in the discussion, highlighting what they termed as “persistent administrative inaction” despite repeated complaints.

The Agricultural Produce Market Committee Market Yard is one of the region’s largest wholesale trading centres, handling bulk consignments of grocery commodities daily. However, traders say the operational environment has become increasingly challenging in recent weeks.

According to merchants operating in the grocery wholesale section — located near the fruit and vegetable market zone — incidents of theft have reportedly surged. Traders claim that goods have been going missing with alarming frequency, leading to financial setbacks. While security personnel are deployed within the market, merchants allege that preventive measures have failed to curb the losses.

Several written representations have been submitted to the APMC administration seeking stronger surveillance, stricter access control and enhanced patrolling. However, traders contend that tangible action is yet to be taken, compelling them to resort to a shutdown as a form of protest.

Beyond security concerns, traffic congestion inside the Market Yard has emerged as another major flashpoint. Traders point to the unregulated parking of heavy vehicles within the premises, even during peak trading hours. The resulting bottlenecks, they say, delay loading and unloading operations and disrupt daily transactions, affecting both supply chains and customer movement.

With wholesale operations scheduled to remain suspended for a day, traders hope the bandh will draw the administration’s attention and prompt immediate corrective measures to restore order and confidence within one of Pune’s key commercial hubs.