Pune-Mumbai commuters may face longer journeys this week as traffic is expected to increase on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway. The rush is likely to continue through Tuesday, October 20, as devotees travel to Shri Ekvira Devi temple for Navratri and people plan extended holidays around Dasara.
Highway traffic police have urged people to use trains and public transport wherever possible and avoid unnecessary road journeys during peak rush days. Authorities have also introduced restrictions on heavy and large vehicles on parts of the old highway and near the temple to manage congestion.
The expected increase in traffic comes as heavy vehicles travelling between Chakan and Talegaon and Mumbai are being diverted to the expressway. Police have stepped up patrols and are preparing additional personnel to manage the movement of vehicles.
Why are Pune-Mumbai highways expected to see heavy traffic?
The Shri Ekvira Devi Navratri festival is expected to draw large numbers of pilgrims, particularly over the weekend and towards the final days of Navratri. At the same time, Dasara falls on Tuesday, October 20, giving some people an opportunity to extend their break by taking Monday off or working from home.
These two factors could increase traffic on routes connecting Mumbai, Lonavala and Pune. The diversion of heavy vehicles from parts of the old highway to the expressway is also expected to add pressure to the Mumbai-Lonavala stretch.
Shivaji Pawar, superintendent of police for Highway Traffic Police, Pune range, told TOI that authorities had discussed traffic management with Pune Rural Police.
Pawar said 50 of the highway traffic police force's 60 personnel would be deployed on the ground during the weekend.
Which roads have heavy vehicle restrictions?
The Pune district collector issued an order on Tuesday under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, restricting the movement of heavy and large vehicles on specified stretches.
The first restriction covers the road between Karla Phata and the foothills of Shri Ekvira Devi temple. Heavy and large vehicles are prohibited from using this stretch around the clock until October 20.
A separate restriction applies to the old Mumbai-Pune highway between Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza in Lonavala and Vadgaon Phata in Vadgaon Maval. Heavy and large vehicles are prohibited on this stretch from 6 am to 10 pm between October 15 and 19.
These restrictions apply to heavy and large vehicles, rather than constituting a blanket closure of the entire highway to private cars.
Height barriers have also been installed at Karla Phata to prevent restricted vehicles from proceeding towards the temple during the festival period.
What are the road restriction timings on the Pune-Mumbai route?
Clearly list both restrictions separately:
- Karla Phata to Shri Ekvira Devi temple: Heavy and large vehicles are prohibited round the clock until October 20.
- Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza to Vadgaon Phata: Heavy and large vehicles are prohibited on the old highway from 6 am to 10 pm between October 15 and 19.
What are the alternative routes for heavy vehicles?
- Heavy vehicles travelling towards Pune: Divert from the old highway via Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza onto the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, then proceed towards Pune city through Urse toll plaza.
- Heavy vehicles travelling towards Mumbai: Divert from Talegaon Phata in Vadgaon through Urse Ghat and onto the expressway.
Pune-Mumbai E-way vehicle diversions: Where will heavy vehicles be diverted?
Authorities have specified alternative routes for heavy vehicles travelling in both directions.
Heavy vehicles heading towards Pune on the old Mumbai-Pune highway will be diverted from Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza in Lonavala onto the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. They will then proceed towards Pune city through Urse toll plaza.
Vehicles travelling towards Mumbai will be diverted from Talegaon Phata in Vadgaon through Urse Ghat and onto the expressway.
The diversions are intended to regulate heavy vehicle movement on the old highway during the festival period. However, motorists should account for the possibility of increased traffic on the expressway as more heavy vehicles use it.
Vehicle operators have been advised to follow the designated routes and comply with traffic police instructions.
Highway police have increased patrolling to ensure heavy vehicles do not occupy the first two lanes of the expressway. Officials have also been imposing fines on heavy vehicle drivers who fail to follow lane discipline.
What should Mumbai-Pune commuters to do?
People planning to travel between Mumbai and Pune should check traffic updates and allow additional time for their journey, particularly during the weekend and towards October 20.
Vijay Pandey, a businessman from Borivali in Mumbai, told TOI that he was travelling to Pune to visit friends. Although he usually drives, he said he and his partner planned to book Vande Bharat tickets instead because they did not want to get stuck in highway traffic.
Those driving private cars should distinguish between restrictions on heavy vehicles and closures affecting all traffic. The collector's order specifically restricts heavy and large vehicles on the identified stretches, while police have separately warned of congestion on both highways.
For people whose journeys are flexible, travelling by train or postponing non-essential trips may help avoid the busiest periods. Heavy vehicle operators should follow the designated diversion routes and observe the restrictions in force through October 19 and October 20, depending on the stretch concerned.
(Inputs from TOI)