Pune: Traffic Diversions Announced in Central Pune for Shiv Jayanti Procession on February 19
Pune, 18th February 2026: Traffic movement across central Pune will be significantly regulated on Thursday (February 19) in view of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti procession, with police announcing diversions on several prominent roads.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav said special arrangements have been put in place considering the large turnout expected for the annual celebration.
The ceremonial “Swarajya Rath” will commence from Hutatma Chowk in Budhwar Peth and proceed through major city arteries before concluding at Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School in Shivajinagar.
Roads Under Diversion
Traffic restrictions will be enforced on key stretches, including:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road
Bajirao Road
Laxmi Road
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Kumthekar Road
Kelkar Road
Commuters are advised to expect congestion in and around these corridors from early morning.
Suggested Alternative Routes
Police have recommended the following diversions:
-Vehicles heading toward Swargate via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road should use Jungli Maharaj Road through S.G. Barve Chowk, Jhansi Rani Chowk and Khandojibaba Chowk, then proceed via Tilak Road.
-Traffic from Ganesh Road and Jijamata Chowk will be rerouted, with Daruwala Bridge suggested as an alternative passage.
-Motorists travelling toward Appa Balwant Chowk through Kelkar Road and those using Laxmi Road will face diversions.
-Vehicles moving from Puram Chowk to Shivajinagar via Bajirao Road should take Tilak Road and Deccan Gymkhana instead.
After the procession begins, motorists heading toward Shivajinagar are advised to use Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde Bridge, while vehicles travelling toward central Pune may also use the same bridge to access Narayan Peth.
Timings and Advisory:
Diversions will come into effect from 7:00 am and remain operational until the procession concludes. Normal traffic flow will be restored thereafter.
Police have appealed to citizens to cooperate with traffic personnel, use alternative routes, and plan journeys to minimise inconvenience.
