Pune: Traffic Relief for IT Employees in Hinjawadi on Day One of Heavy Vehicle Ban

Hinjawadi, 16th October 2025: The first day of restrictions on heavy vehicle movement along the Katraj–Dehu Road bypass on the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway brought noticeable relief for commuters, particularly IT employees traveling to Hinjawadi. On Wednesday, the bypass — notorious for daily traffic snarls — witnessed smooth traffic flow throughout the day, with no major congestion reported.

To ease peak-hour congestion, the traffic department enforced a time-based ban on trucks and other heavy vehicles. As per the new schedule, heavy vehicles are barred from using the bypass between Satara and Mumbai from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and between Mumbai and Satara from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The restrictions were strictly implemented at critical junctions including Navale Bridge, Mutha River Bridge, Warje Bridge, Hinjawadi, and Tathawade. As a result, light vehicles were able to cover the Katraj-to-Kiwale stretch in just 22 minutes, compared to the usual one hour and twenty minutes, according to several motorists.

Teams from the Pune City Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, and the State Highway Safety Patrol (HSP) were deployed to monitor enforcement. Heavy vehicles were directed to designated holding areas — trucks heading towards Satara were halted at Satara district, Khed-Shivapur, and New Katraj Ghat, while those bound for Mumbai were stopped near Urse, Somatane, and nearby areas.

Most truck drivers reportedly complied with the restrictions voluntarily, as the new rule had been widely publicized in advance. Only a few vehicles attempted to enter the restricted lanes and were promptly diverted by police personnel.

A minor traffic slowdown occurred near Warje Bridge in the evening after a truck broke down, but the situation was quickly brought under control.

“Overall, the traffic movement remained smooth throughout the day. The cooperation of drivers and coordination between agencies helped ensure the success of this new schedule,” said Vikrant Deshmukh, Superintendent of Highway Police.

Commuters, especially IT employees, expressed satisfaction with the new traffic plan.

“Police should ensure consistent and effective enforcement of this rule. It used to take me 1.5 to 2 hours to reach my office in Hinjawadi from Katraj, but today I reached in just 45 minutes. This restriction should remain in place,” said a daily commuter.