New guidelines for chaos-free processions in Pune

In a first, the Pune traffic police have created three new diversions for heavy vehicles (trucks) accompanying the Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram palkhi processions to avoid traffic chaos this year.

The palkhis of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar will arrive in the city on June 23 and June 25 respectively. The traffic police have also urged people to use alternate routes during
the procession.

The deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Vishwas Pandhare, told reporters on Tuesday that this was the first time that the traffic police had decided to use three alternatives for heavy vehicles.
Trucks accompanying the palkhis will be diverted via Markal, Tulapur, Phulgaon, Lonikand, Wagholi and Lohegaon to arrive at Vishrantwadi.

When the palkhi proceeds towards Khadki, the accompanying vehicles will have to go through Chandrama Chowk, Sadalbaba Durga Chowk via new Sangamwadi Bridge to Patil Estate.

On June 27, when both the palkhis leave the city, vehicular traffic on Solapur highway would be diverted from Wanavdi to Bhairoba Nala Chowk, Lullanagar, Kondhwa and Bopdev Ghat up to Saswad.

Phandhare said, “The roads will be closed during the procession, but we have reduced the timing of the closure and as the palkhi proceeds, the roads will be opened to normal city traffic.”

Police inspector Vijay Palsule said, “We have given detailed information about the routes and have also posted a map on Facebook and the Pune traffic police website. People can use this information to avoid inconvenience during the procession in the city.”

For details, citizens can call 26123520 or 26208225.