Diwali Rush: Heavy Vehicles Banned On Key Pune Roads From Oct 25

Pune, 26th October 2026: With festive shopping crowds thronging central Pune’s markets ahead of Diwali, the traffic police have temporarily withdrawn permission for heavy vehicles to use major roads in the area on Saturdays and Sundays. The restriction, which came into effect on October 25, will remain in force until the end of the festival.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare issued the order, directing heavy vehicles to stay off major roads in the city’s central areas to prevent congestion and ensure pedestrian safety.

Construction-related and goods vehicles were earlier permitted to use major city roads on weekends. However, the festive rush has prompted the traffic police to revoke the exemption for central Pune.

Markets and shopping streets, including Laxmi Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Kumthekar Road and Kelkar Road, as well as the Mahatma Phule Mandai and Tulshibaug areas, witness a surge in shoppers during Diwali, drawing people from across Pune, its suburbs and the district.

The traffic police have also stepped up measures to prevent roadside parking near market areas and ensure smoother traffic movement across the city.

“Ensuring smooth traffic movement in central Pune and the suburbs during the festive season is a priority. Heavy vehicles have been barred from the central areas, and measures are being taken to prevent parking along roads near markets,” Bhajibhakare said.