Pune bans goods vehicles in central markets from 9 am to 11 pm till Nov 12 for Diwali rush

Shoppers heading to Pune's crowded central markets for Diwali will not see goods vehicles during the day this time. The traffic police have barred supply vehicles from entering the main commercial areas between 9 am and 11 pm. The restriction is temporary and will remain in force from October 26 to November 12.

The police aim to reduce traffic jams during the festival crowds and make it easier for pedestrians to move.

Under the new arrangement, traders can unload their goods only between 11 pm and 9 am, and only from light commercial vehicles. At other times, goods vehicles will not be allowed into the designated market areas.

The restriction covers several crowded spots, including Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road, Bajirao Road, Tulshibaug, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Bohri Ali, Ganesh Peth, Raviwar Peth, Shukrawar Peth and Tapkir Galli. The same rule will apply in other parts of the central market area.

These places see large crowds of shoppers during Diwali, as clothes, household goods, decorative items and festival essentials sell the most in these days.

The traffic police said goods vehicles used to enter the markets at the peak shopping hours, causing obstructions on the roads and making it hard to walk in the crowded lanes. Stopping daytime deliveries may free up some road space for shoppers and other traffic.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare has appealed to traders, suppliers and drivers to follow the new timetable for the entire period of the restriction.

Shopkeepers and distributors will now have to plan their deliveries around this permitted window at night and in the early hours. Vehicles arriving outside the stipulated time will not be allowed into the restricted areas, so stock will have to be arranged in advance.

The traffic police have made the arrangement specifically for the festival season. The days see heavy crowds and frequent movement of goods, which puts further pressure on the roads of Pune's old market areas. Following the timings until November 12 will be mandatory so that the market areas stay open for shoppers and avoidable jams are prevented.