In preparation for the large-scale New Year's Eve celebrations, the Pune City Traffic Police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan. The strategy includes significant road closures, the creation of pedestrian-only zones, and a stringent crackdown on drunk driving across key areas of the city.
Key Traffic Restrictions and No-Vehicle Zones
The police have designated specific arterial roads as 'No Vehicle Zones' to ensure pedestrian safety in high-footfall areas. These zones will be enforced on Fergusson College Road, from Good Luck Hotel Chowk to the Fergusson College Main Gate, and on Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road, from 15 August Chowk to Aurora Towers.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav issued the official order on Tuesday. All announced traffic changes will come into effect from 5 pm on December 31 and will remain operational until crowds disperse in the early hours of January 1.
Detailed Diversions for Pune Camp and Deccan Areas
For the Pune Camp area, multiple diversions have been planned:
- Traffic from Y Junction to MG Road will be halted at 15 August Chowk and diverted via Qureshi Masjid and Sujata Mastani Chowk.
- Movement from ISKON Temple towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Statue and Aurora Towers will be stopped.
- Traffic from Sarbatwala Chowk to Mahaveer Chowk will be redirected via Taboot Street Chowk.
- Vehicles from Indira Gandhi Chowk to Mahaveer Chowk must use the Lashkar Police Station Chowk route.
- Traffic flowing from Volga Chowk to Mohammed Rafi Chowk will be diverted via East Street and Indira Gandhi Chowk.
In the Deccan Traffic Division, the following changes apply:
- Traffic originating from Kothrud and Karve Road will be stopped at Khandoji Baba Chowk and diverted via Law College Road, Prabhat Road, and Alka Talkies Chowk.
- Vehicles on Jangali Maharaj Road heading to Khadoji Baba Chowk and those attempting to access Fergusson College Road via bylanes will be stopped at Balgandharva Chowk. They will be rerouted via PMC, Omkareshwar Temple, and Shivaji Road.
Heavy Vehicle Ban and Drunk Driving Crackdown
In a significant move, the entry of all heavy and very heavy vehicles into the city will be banned from the early hours of December 31 until the night of January 1. The ban will be enforced at nine key entry points:
- Theur Phata, Loni Kalbhor
- Harris Bridge, Khadki
- Bopkhel Phata, Vishrantwadi
- Radha Chowk, Baner
- Navale Bridge, Warje
- Katraj Chowk
- Khadi Machine Chowk, Kondhwa
- Mantarwadi, Fursungi
- Markal Bridge
Simultaneously, the police have announced a concerted action against drunk driving. Multiple checkpoints will be established at crucial locations across Pune to identify and penalize motorists driving under the influence of alcohol, ensuring safer roads during the festivities.
The comprehensive plan underscores the police department's focus on managing the expected large gatherings in popular celebration hubs like Pune Camp and Deccan Gymkhana while prioritizing the safety of all citizens.
