Sinhagad Fort Entry Rules Change: Pune Forest Department Announces Crowd Control Plan

Pune, 19th August 2026: Entry to Sinhagad Fort will be temporarily restricted once the number of visitors reaches the fort’s safe capacity, the Pune Forest Department has said, as authorities step up measures to tackle overcrowding, traffic congestion and safety concerns during the monsoon.

The decision comes amid a heavy tourist rush at the historic fort, particularly on weekends, public holidays and during the monsoon season. Visitors from Pune and other parts of Maharashtra frequently travel to Sinhagad, resulting in congestion on access roads and delays for tourists.

“Until the permanent system is operational, entry to Sinhagad Fort will be regulated based on the number of tourists who can be safely accommodated at a given time. Once the prescribed capacity is reached, further visitors will be temporarily denied entry,” said the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Pune Forest Division.

The DCF said the measures are intended to ensure visitor safety, prevent traffic congestion, manage crowds and maintain law and order at the fort.

CCTV, AI monitoring system being developed

The Forest Department is currently working on a system involving CCTV cameras and AI-based digital monitoring to monitor the number of tourists and vehicles visiting Sinhagad Fort and improve crowd management.

According to the DCF, a mobile application is also being developed to provide visitors with information about parking facilities and important locations at the fort.

“The carrying capacity of the fort will be scientifically assessed. Once the system is fully developed, visitors will be required to register before entering the fort,” the DCF said.

The proposed mobile application will also help tourists check the crowd situation and information about entry restrictions before travelling to Sinhagad.

Additional security at crowded points

The Forest Department said some untoward incidents have been reported in the Sinhagad Fort area in recent days, with cases registered under relevant laws.

“We are taking necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to ensure that law and order is maintained. Additional security personnel will be deployed at points that regularly experience heavy crowds,” the DCF said.

Until the permanent crowd-management system is implemented, visitors will have to cooperate with Forest Department and police personnel enforcing entry restrictions.

The department warned that legal action could be taken against people who refuse to comply with the instructions of officials.

Tourists advised to follow monsoon safety guidelines

The Forest Department has appealed to visitors to follow all instructions issued by the administration and avoid littering or damaging historical structures.

Tourists have also been advised not to venture into dangerous areas, enter the fort after consuming alcohol or play loud music or use loudspeakers in a manner that inconveniences other visitors.

The department has urged tourists to exercise additional caution during the monsoon because of slippery roads, mud, falling rocks and the possibility of landslides in parts of the fort area.

“Sinhagad is not merely a tourist destination; it is an integral part of our historical heritage. Protecting the fort and ensuring the safety of tourists is a collective responsibility,” the DCF said.

Visitors have been advised to check entry-related instructions and cooperate with authorities, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and overcrowding.