Pune: PMC Chief Orders Urgent Overhaul of Sant Palakhi Routes Ahead of June Processions
Pune, 20th May 2025: With the annual Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi processions scheduled to pass through Pune in mid-June, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has ordered immediate action to complete all necessary civic and infrastructure work along the designated pilgrimage routes.
During an on-site inspection on Monday, Dr. Bhosale directed officials to prioritize road repairs, removal of encroachments, and the provision of essential amenities for the thousands of Warkaris (devotees) expected to participate in the spiritually significant event.
Key Directives Issued After Inspection
Dr. Bhosale was accompanied by Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P, City Engineer Prashant Waghmare, Traffic Planning Head Aniruddha Pawaskar, Deputy Commissioner Avinash Sankpal, and other civic officials. The inspection covered multiple points along the Palakhi routes.
Following the visit, PMC outlined several immediate action points:
Removal of abandoned vehicles and clutter from procession paths Repairs to damaged stormwater drains, manholes, and internal roads Trimming of overgrown trees to clear obstructions Resurfacing roads and repairing damaged footpaths Clearing encroachments in coordination with city police Traffic management planning to ensure smooth procession flow
Enhanced Facilities for Warkaris
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, PMC will deploy dedicated service
units along the routes to assist pilgrims. These will include:
Mobile health services and first aid stations
Resting zones equipped with fans and drinking water facilities
Mobile toilets and 24×7 water supply at key Peth areas and rest points
Emergency response support by the Fire Department, including personnel
and disaster management tools
Dr. Bhosale also emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the procession days to facilitate a safe and seamless experience for the Warkaris.
Ongoing Supervision and Accountability
“This is a spiritually important event for Maharashtra, and the PMC is fully committed to ensuring a safe, clean, and hospitable environment for the Warkaris,” said Dr. Bhosale. “All departments have been instructed to remain on alert and complete preparations within the stipulated timeframe. Regular monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance.”
The annual Palakhi procession, part of the revered Pandharpur Wari, draws lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra and beyond, making it one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in the state.
