3 days ago
List of traffic closures, diversions as Palkhi processions to enter Pune tomorrow
With the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi processions set to enter Pune city limits on June 20, the city braces for one of its largest spiritual events of the year. The Pune Traffic Police, in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and other departments, have chalked out an elaborate traffic and parking management plan to ensure smooth passage for lakhs of Warkaris walking towards Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 7.
The processions carry the Paduka (sacred footwear) of the revered saints and are central to Maharashtra's Warkari tradition. While the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi started from Dehu, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi commenced its journey from Alandi.
Officials said a massive operation involving multiple agencies has been activated, not just to manage the pilgrim crowd, but ensure emergency services, civic amenities and urban traffic continue to function with minimal disruption.
Traffic closures and diversions (June 20–23)
These changes will be effective from June 20, starting at 2:00 am, and will remain until each respective Palkhi exits the specified zones:
For the arrival of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi
Closed route: Kalas Phata to Bopkhel Phata
Alternate: Via Dhanori internal roads.
Closed route: Mental Hospital Corner to Alandi Junction
Alternate: Jail Road and Airport Road.
Closed route: Sadalbaba Chowk to Patil Estate
Alternate: Via Parnakuti Chowk to Garrison Engineer Square.
For the arrival of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi
Closed route: Bopodi Chowk to Khadki Bazar
Alternate: Via Church Chowk.
Closed route: Poultry Farm Chowk
Alternate: Railway Police HQ – Aundh Road – Bremen Chowk.
Closed Route: Old Mumbai Pune Road (towards Pune) till Engineering College Chowk
Alternate: Bhau Patil Road – Aundh Road – Bremen Chowk.
Closed route: RTO to Engineering College Chowk
Alternate: Shahir Amar Shaikh Chowk – Kumbhar Ves – Jehangir Chowk – Ambedkar Setu.
Joint procession route (From June 22, 12 pm)
Once both Palkhis converge near Engineering College Chowk, the following roads will be affected:
Closed route: Range Hill Chowk to Sancheti Chowk
Alternate: Khadki Underpass – Poultry Farm Chowk.
Closed route: Khandoji Baba Chowk to Veer Chaphekar Chowk
Alternate: Karve Road – Senapati Bapat Road.
Closed route: Gadgil Statue to SG Barve Chowk
Alternate: Kumbhar Ves – RTO Chowk.
Closed route: Deccan Traffic Division to Thopte Path Chowk
Alternate: Ghole Road – Apte Road.
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on major Palkhi routes during this period. Signboards indicating diversions have been installed at all entry points, including:
Diversion points: Vishrantwadi, Shivajinagar, Bopodi, and Swargate
Approach and exit points: Kharadi Bypass, Hadapsar, Phursungi, and Katraj
The administration has urged all logistics operators and heavy vehicle drivers to strictly follow route instructions to avoid fines or congestion.
Over 719 sanitation points, multiple medical aid centers, fire safety teams, BDDS squads, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed across Pune. Drones, CCTV cameras, and a joint control command center have been activated to oversee crowd movements and emergency coordination.
