As Pune prepares for the vibrant celebrations of Dahi Handi, the city will experience significant traffic adjustments to manage congestion during the festivities. Scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. on August 27, the Dahi Handi events will continue until the local mandals complete their programs and roads are cleared.
Traffic Restrictions Announced
To ease traffic flow, Pune Traffic Police have implemented several road closures and diversions. Major roads including Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Tilak Road, Laxmi Road, and Bajirao Road will be off-limits to vehicles. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Amol Zende, issued the directive detailing the changes.
Alternative Routes and Diversions
- From Shivaji Road to Swargate: Drivers will be rerouted via SG Barve Chowk, Jangli Maharaj Road, Khandoji Baba Chowk, and can then access either Tilak Road or Shastri Road.
- From Bajirao Road to Shivajinagar: Vehicles will be diverted through Tilak Road and Fergusson College Road, with additional access to Senadatt Chowk from Puram Chowk.
- To Pune Municipal Corporation: Travel from SG Barve Chowk will require taking Jangali Maharaj Road and then a left turn from Jhansi Chi Rani Chowk.
- Traffic Management on Key Routes: Traffic will be one-way from Budhwar Chowk to Appa Balwant Chowk, and the route from Rameshwar Chowk to Shanipar will be closed, with diversions in place.
Special Instructions
Additional diversions will affect:
- Sonya Maruti Chowk to Seva Sadan Chowk: Vehicles will be redirected from Sonya Maruti Chowk towards Phadke Haud.
- Shivaji Road to Ganesh Road: Traffic will be rerouted via Gadgil Statue, Kumbharves Chowk, Pawale Chowk, and Old Sat Toti Police Chowki.
- Ganesh Road: Traffic will be blocked from Daruwala Bridge. Vehicles needing access to Devjibaba Chowk and Phadke Haud will be redirected via Apollo Talkies, Narpatgiri Chowk, Daruwala Bridge, and Doodh Bhatti.
Community and Safety Guidelines
The annual Dahi Handi celebrations feature groups competing to break handis, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s playful childhood activity. Human pyramids are formed to reach and break the pots, adding to the excitement of the event. The local police stations and civic bodies have issued safety guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable festival.
Residents are advised to plan their travel routes ahead of time and expect delays during peak festive hours.