Pune: Traffic Diversion Announced At Katraj Chowk Due To Flyover Construction

Katraj, 30th November 2024: Traffic patterns at Katraj Chowk are set to change significantly as work on the flyover enters a crucial phase. Segmental launching in the main chowk is scheduled to begin soon, prompting authorities to divert traffic to manage congestion and ensure smooth progress.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amol Zende issued a directive regarding the changes, which will take effect on a pilot basis from 3rd December until further notice. Under the new arrangement, the entry of heavy vehicles—including dumpers, trucks, mixers, trailers, containers, and other heavy transport vehicles—will be strictly prohibited in Katraj Chowk.

The revised traffic plan includes the following:

– Vehicles coming from Satara through the old Katraj tunnel to Shindewadi Bridge and from the new tunnel to Katraj Chowk will be stopped at Navale Bridge.
– Traffic from Mumbai to Katraj Chowk via Warje will also be halted at Navale Bridge.
– Vehicles approaching from Solapur via Hadapsar-Mantarwadi and Saswad via Mantarwadi will be stopped at Mantarwadi Chowk.
– Traffic from Bopdev Ghat will be blocked before Khadi Machine Chowk, while vehicles from Market Yard, Gangadham, and Bibwewadi areas will be restricted at ISKCON Temple Chowk.
– Entry for vehicles heading toward Satara via Katraj Chowk from Swargate will also be restricted.

However, local heavy vehicles from Mantarwadi, Undri, and Pisoli will be allowed to operate between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., but they will not be permitted access to Katraj Chowk. Additionally, MSRTC buses and private travel vehicles coming from Mumbai via Warje will be rerouted at Navale Bridge. Buses traveling from Satara to Swargate are advised to take a right turn under Navale Bridge and proceed directly to Swargate, bypassing Katraj Chowk.

The said restrictions apply only to heavy and goods-carrying vehicles. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers can continue to use the route as usual.

DCP Zende has appealed to citizens to cooperate with the new traffic arrangements and avoid traveling through Katraj Chowk whenever possible. He also encouraged commuters to explore alternative routes to minimize inconvenience and ensure the smooth execution of the flyover project.