Pune: Traffic Restrictions Implemented Ahead of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Beej Ceremony in Dehu

Varad Bhatkhande

Dehu, 23rd March 2024: The upcoming Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Beej ceremony on March 27th is set to attract Varkaris from across the Maharashtra State to Dehu, leading to anticipated traffic disruptions in the Talawade, Mahalunge, and Chakan areas. To mitigate congestion and facilitate seamless traffic movement, Pimpri Chinchwad Traffic DCP Vishal Gaikwad has issued directives for operational changes spanning from March 25th to March 27th.

During this period, vehicular access will be restricted on certain routes. Old Mumbai-Pune Highway from Dehu Gaon Kaman and Mahindra Circle to Fujitsu Corner, Canbay, and IT Park Chowk will be closed, diverting vehicles through alternative routes via Diamond Chowk and Moi Phata to Nighoje. Similarly, vehicles travelling from Dehu Phata to Dehu Gaon on the Talegaon-Chakan road will be rerouted through HP Chowk.

Furthermore, heavy vehicles from Chakan, Talegaon Chowk, and Spicer Chowk on the Nashik-Pune route to Canbay Chowk will be rerouted through Moshi Bharatmata Chowk, Mahindra Circle and HP Chowk. Additionally, certain roads including Dehu Kaman to 14 Talakari Kaman, Bhairavanath Chowk, Khandelwal Chowk to Dehu Kaman, and Juna Palkhi Road to Zende Mala will have traffic restrictions or one-way movement.

In anticipation of large crowds, Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey has prohibited vendors from occupying temple premises, ensuring the safety of devotees and minimizing the risk of stampedes. These restrictions will be enforced from March 26th to 27th until midnight.

To accommodate the influx of devotees, Dehu Nagar Panchayat has undertaken extensive preparations, including cleaning works, installation of lights at the Vaikuntha Gaman ceremony site, street lighting across the village, and provision of round-the-clock electricity and drinking water. Additionally, mobile toilets will be stationed at various locations, and efforts to clear water leaves from the Indrayani River have commenced, ensuring a seamless experience for the thousands expected to attend the festival.