Pune-Mumbai Traffic Alert: Heavy Vehicle Diversions As Ekvira Devi Navratri Rush Builds

PUNE: Travellers heading between Pune and Mumbai over the coming days may need to factor in longer journey times, as festival-related movement and restrictions on heavy vehicles are expected to put pressure on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old highway. With devotees expected to visit the Shri Ekvira Devi temple during Navratri, traffic authorities have appealed to commuters to opt for trains and public transport wherever possible, as reported by The Times of India.

The arrangements include restrictions on heavy vehicles on key sections of the old highway, diversions to the expressway and increased police deployment to manage traffic. Officials have also urged motorists to avoid non-essential journeys during periods of heavy congestion.

Where And When Will Heavy Vehicles Face Restrictions?

The Pune district collector has issued an order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, restricting heavy and large vehicles on routes leading towards the Shri Ekvira Devi temple.

The stretch between Karla Phata and the foothill temple will remain off-limits to these vehicles throughout the day until October 20. Separately, heavy and large vehicles will be barred from using the old Mumbai-Pune highway between the Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza in Lonavala and Vadgaon Phata in Vadgaon Maval from 6 am to 10 pm daily between October 15 and 19.