Pune Traffic Advisory: As the annual Pandharpur pilgrimage draws near, the Pune city police have put in place a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure the smooth passage of the revered Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhis (processions).
The Palkhis or the processions carrying the symbolic footwear of the revered saints, are set to commence their three-week-long journeys from the temple towns of Dehu and Alandi, respectively and are scheduled to reach the holy city of Pandharpur on the auspicious occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi on July17.
The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi embarked on its journey from Dehu on June 28, halting at the Inamdar Wada in Dehu and then proceeding to Akurdi in Pimpri-Chinchwad on the first day. The Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj is set to commence its journey from Alandi on Tuesday, July 1.
Both the Palkhis are expected to arrive in Pune city on Sunday, June 30 and will be accorded a day of rest on Monday, July 1, before continuing their respective journeys towards Pandharpur on Tuesday.
To accommodate the passage of these revered processions, the Pune city police have announced a series of road closures and diversions, which will be in effect from 2 am on Sunday, June 30, until the Palkhis have crossed the designated landmarks.
Bopodi Chowk to Khadki Bazar: Closed route, alternate via internal road through Church Chowk
Poultry farm chowk: Closed route, alternate via Railway Police headquarters, Aundh Road, and Bremen Chowk
Old Mumbai Pune Road (vehicles approaching Pune): Closed route, alternate via Bhau Patil Road, Aundh Road, Bremen Chowk
RTO to Engineering College Chowk: Closed route, alternate via Shahir Amar Shaikh Chowk, Kumbhar Ves, and Jehangir Chowk-Ambedkar Setu
Kalas Phata to Bopkhel Phata: Closed route, alternate via Dhanori road using internal routes
Mental Hospital Corner to Alandi Junction: Closed route, alternate via Jail Road and Airport Road
Sadalbaba Chowk to Patil Estate: Closed route, alternate via Parnakuti Chowk to Garrison Engineer Square
After the confluence of the two Palkhis near Engineering College Chowk, additional traffic changes will be implemented from 12 pm on Sunday, 30 June, including:
Range Hill Chowk to Sancheti Chowk: Closed route, alternate via Khadki Underpass and Poultry farm chowk
Khandoji Baba to Veer Chaphekar Chowk: Closed route, alternate via Karve Road and Senapati Bapat Road
Gadgil Statute to SG Barve Chowk: Closed route, alternate via Kumbharves to RTO Chowk
Deccan Traffic Division to Thopte Path Chowk: Closed route, alternate via Ghole Road and Apte Road
Additionally, a separate road closure and traffic diversion plan has been put in place for heavy vehicles from June 30 to July 3. Informative boards have been displayed at the diversion points to guide the drivers.
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June 29: Akurdi
June 30: Nana Peth
July 1: Pune
July 2: Loni Kalbhor
July 3: Yawat
July 4: Varvand
July 5: Undawadi
July 6: Baramati Sharada School
July 7: Sansar
July 8: Anthurne
July 9: Nimgaon Ketki
July 10: Indapur
July 11: Sarati
July 12: Akluj Mane School
July 13: Borgaon
July 14: Pirachi Kuroli
July 15: Wakhari
July 16: Pandharpur
June 29: Alandi
June 30: Bhawani Peth
July 1: Pune
July 2: Saswad
July 3: Saswad
July 4: Jejuri
July 5: Velhe
July 6: Lonand
July 7: Lonand
July 8: Taradgaon
July 9: Phaltan
July 10: Barad
July 11: Natepute
July 12: Malshiras
July 13: Velapur
July 14: Bhandishegaon
July 15: Wakhari
July 16: Pandharpur