Heavy vehicles barred on central Pune's main roads on weekends ahead of Diwali shopping rush

Pune, October 26, 2026: Shoppers are thronging markets in central Pune ahead of Diwali. In view of this, the traffic police have, for now, withdrawn the permission for heavy vehicles to ply on the main roads of the area on Saturdays and Sundays. The restriction has been in force since October 25 and will continue until the festival ends.

The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare. He has asked that heavy vehicles be kept off the main roads in the central parts of the city, so that traffic jams are avoided and the safety of pedestrians is maintained.

Earlier, construction-related vehicles and goods carriers had been allowed on the city's main roads at weekends. Given the festival crowds, the traffic police have ended this relaxation for central Pune.

During Diwali, the number of shoppers rises in markets and shopping lanes such as Laxmi Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Kumthekar Road and Kelkar Road. The same is the case around Mahatma Phule Mandai and Tulshibaug. People come here to shop from Pune city, its suburbs and across the district.

The traffic police have also stepped up measures to stop roadside parking near the market areas, so that traffic keeps moving smoothly across the city.

Bhajibhakare said, "Smooth traffic in central Pune and the suburbs during the festival season is our priority. Heavy vehicles have been barred in the central areas, and steps are being taken to stop parking along roads near the markets."

Police said the aim of these measures is to spare people visiting the markets for Diwali shopping the trouble of crowds and traffic jams. The restriction will remain in force until the end of the festival.