PUNE: The Pune city traffic police have withdrawn the weekend relaxation for heavy vehicles on Bajirao Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road in the city’s central area until Diwali concludes, anticipating a further surge in shoppers at key markets and seeking to prevent traffic congestion, police said on Sunday.
An order to this effect was issued by deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Sandeep Bhajibhakre under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The traffic police have appealed to heavy vehicle operators to plan their journeys accordingly and avoid the two roads on Saturdays and Sundays until the festival concludes. Commuters heading to the central markets have also been advised to account for the festive rush while planning their journeys. The restriction will apply throughout the day on every Saturday and Sunday till such time the festival of lights concludes. The move comes in anticipation of a surge in shoppers at key shopping destinations including Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road and Tulshibaug; and seeks to prevent traffic congestion. They have appealed to heavy vehicle operators to plan their journeys accordingly; and avoid the aforementioned roads on Saturdays and Sundays till such time Diwali is over.
The restriction came into effect on October 25 and will remain in force throughout the day on every Saturday and Sunday until the end of the festival. Pune city traffic police on October 25 withdrew the weekend relaxation for heavy vehicles on Bajirao Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road in the heart of the city till such time Diwali is over.
The restriction is necessary to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians, improve road safety, and maintain traffic flow in busy market areas; the traffic police said.
