Palkhi Processions to Trigger Major Traffic Curbs Across Pune on July 9; Internal Roads to Face Temporary Restrictions

Pune, 8th July 2026: The arrival of the annual Palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj in Pune on Thursday, July 9, will lead to extensive traffic diversions and temporary restrictions across the city. The Pune City Traffic Police have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure the smooth movement of the revered processions and to minimise congestion.

According to the traffic police, vehicular movement on several roads along the Palkhi routes will remain restricted from the early hours of Thursday until late evening or night, depending on the progress of the processions. The restrictions will apply to all vehicles except emergency and essential services.

Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Route
The Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj will enter Pune from Alandi and proceed via Vadmukhwadi, Charholi Phata, Dighi, Bopkhel Phata, Vishrantwadi, Phulenagar, Sangamwadi, FC Road, Laxmi Road, Budhwar Chowk and Nana Peth before halting for the night at Palkhi Vitthoba Temple in Bhawani Peth.

Traffic on the route, particularly between Bopkhel Phata and Vishrantwadi Chowk, will remain closed in phases from 3 am to 8 pm, or as required. Motorists have been advised to use Dhanori Road and other internal roads as alternate routes. Restrictions will also be imposed on stretches including Holkar Bridge–Chandrama Chowk, Shadal Baba Dargah–Patil Estate, and Engineering College Chowk–RTO Chowk.

Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Route
The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi will travel through Pimpri, Vallabhnagar, Nashik Phata, Phugewadi, Dapodi, Harris Bridge, Mari Aai Gate, Wakdewadi, Patil Estate, Engineering College Chowk, Simla Office Chowk, FC Road, Garware Bridge, Lakdi Bridge, Sewa Sadan Chowk, Laxmi Road, Budhwar Chowk, Sonya Maruti Chowk and Nana Peth, before reaching Nivdunga Vitthoba Temple for its overnight stay.

Traffic restrictions along this route will be enforced in phases based on the movement of the procession. Vehicles will be diverted through Bopodi, Khadki, Aundh, Bremen Chowk, Bhau Patil Road, Parnakuti Chowk, Holkar Bridge, Bund Garden Bridge, Gandhi Udyan Chowk, Tarkeshwar Chowk, Gunjan Chowk, Airport Road and RTO Chowk.

Restrictions in Central Pune
The Pune Traffic Police have announced phased road closures across central Pune throughout the day.

From 8 am to midnight, roads between Engineering College Chowk and Tukaram Paduka Chowk, including stretches of Ganeshkhind Road, Fergusson Road and Shivaji Road, will remain closed as required. Alternate routes via Senapati Bapat Road, Karve Road, Nal Stop and RTO Chowk have been suggested.

Between 12 noon and midnight, traffic restrictions will extend to Fergusson Road, Tilak Road, Deccan, Laxmi Road, Shivaji Road and Belbaug Chowk, with motorists advised to use Senapati Bapat Road, Shastri Road and Mhatre Bridge.

From 2 pm to midnight, traffic will be restricted around Belbaug Chowk, Laxmi Road, Sewa Sadan Chowk and adjoining areas. Alternate routes through Bajirao Road, Rameshwar Chowk, Shaniwar Peth, Kumbharves, Nehru Road and Rasta Peth have been recommended.

Additional restrictions will also be imposed on roads connecting Devjibaba Chowk, Hamzekhan Chowk, Somwar Peth Police Chowky, Dulya Maruti Chowk, Ramoshi Gate and Palkhi Vitthoba Temple.

No Entry and No Parking Around Palkhi Routes
As thousands of Warkaris and devotees are expected to visit Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Sarasbaug, and Shaniwar Wada during the Palkhi halt, special traffic arrangements have been put in place in these areas.

No private vehicles will be permitted inside the designated Palkhi halt zones in Bhawani Peth and Nana Peth. Devotees have been requested to use designated parking facilities established across different parts of the city.

Parking will also be prohibited on both sides of the Palkhi routes and on connecting roads up to 100 metres from the procession route. Roads will be reopened in phases after the processions pass.

One-Way Relaxation and Tanker Restrictions
The Traffic Police said movement and parking of all vehicles will remain prohibited on stretches between Palkhi Vitthoba Chowk and Babasaheb Kirad Path Junction, as well as Aruna Chowk and Parsi Ageria Road.
One-way restrictions on Tilak Chowk–Belbaug Chowk (Laxmi Road) and Veer Chaphekar Chowk–Khandoji Baba Chowk (Fergusson Road) may be relaxed depending on traffic conditions, while the entire stretch will remain a No Parking Zone.

Restrictions have also been imposed on fuel tanker movement. On July 9, tankers will not be allowed on the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway and Alandi Road. On July 10, entry into Bhawani Peth, Nana Peth and Rasta Peth will be regulated through permissions, while on July 11, tanker traffic on the Solapur Highway will remain suspended.

Separate diversion routes have also been notified for vehicles accompanying the Palkhi processions.

Traffic Police Appeal
The Pune Traffic Police have appealed to commuters to avoid the Palkhi routes wherever possible, use designated alternate roads, refrain from parking along the procession routes, and cooperate with traffic personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
For traffic-related assistance, citizens can contact the Traffic Police Control Room on 020-26685000 or 020-26684000.