Pune Traffic Police Revises Heavy Vehicle Ban Hours in Gangadham Area After Market Yard Disruptions

Market Yard, 2nd July 2025: Just days after enforcing a 6 am to 11 pm restriction on heavy vehicles in Pune’s Gangadham area, the city traffic police have partially relaxed the ban, reducing it by three hours. The updated restriction now runs from 8 am to 10 pm, effective from 12:01 am on July 1, following appeals from trade associations over supply disruptions at Market Yard.

The revised timings apply to two stretches — the 2-kilometre route between Lullanagar Chowk and Gangadham Chowk, and the 1.6-kilometre stretch from Chandralok Hospital to Gangadham Chowk.
The change comes after representations from The Poona Merchants Chambers and The Poona Goods Transport Association, who raised concerns during a recent meeting with senior traffic officials.

“Representatives explained that due to a shortage of labourers willing to work night shifts, it was becoming difficult to load and unload goods at Market Yard. After reviewing the situation, we decided to adjust the heavy vehicle ban from 6 am–11 pm to 8 am–10 pm,” said Ashwini Rakh, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Swargate Traffic Division.

Despite the relaxation, certain stretches remain under a full 24-hour ban for heavy vehicles. This includes the 2-kilometre stretch from Kanha Hotel on the Katraj-Kondhwa Bypass to Gangadham Chowk, and the route from Tilekar Chowk in Kondhwa to Gangadham Chowk.

“To ensure Market Yard continues to receive essential goods, heavy vehicles will be permitted on alternative routes that bypass the restricted areas,” Rakh added.

The earlier restriction had triggered logistical issues for traders, with delivery timelines disrupted and essential goods in short supply across markets like Bhavani Peth and Nana Peth.

“Smaller vehicles were unwilling to pick up goods from Market Yard at night because labourers refused to work those hours. This led to shortages and even a spike in prices of key commodities,” explained Pravin Chorbele, former president of the Poona Merchant Chamber.

With the revised timings now in place, traders hope the flow of goods will stabilize, preventing further disruptions in the city’s retail supply chain.