Dahi Handi 2025: Traffic Diversions Announced in Pune for Janmashtami Celebrations

As Pune gears up to celebrate the vibrant festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami and the ever-energetic Dahi Handi on August 15 and 16, the city is expected to see large gatherings, especially in the central areas. To ensure public safety and smooth traffic movement during the festivities, the Pune City Traffic Police have rolled out temporary traffic regulations across key routes. With several roads in areas like Shivaji Road, Laxmi Road, Bajirao Road, and Tilak Road likely to see heavy footfall and processions, these traffic adjustments are aimed at preventing congestion and avoiding inconvenience to commuters.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav has issued detailed orders outlining route diversions, road closures, and alternative travel routes. These changes will be implemented at different timings across various traffic divisions based on local requirements and crowd movement.

Bund Garden Traffic Division

On August 16, between 8:00 AM and midnight, traffic will be monitored and regulated as needed. One of the key changes includes the closure of the road from Teen Tofa Chowk to Blue Nile Chowk, located near the ISKCON Temple. To manage the flow, the opposite stretch from Blue Nile Chowk to Teen Tofa Chowk will temporarily function as a two-way road, offering an alternative for diverted traffic.

Kondhwa Traffic Division

From the morning of August 15 at 9:00 AM until midnight on August 16, several changes will be in place depending on the situation. Two crucial U-turn points—at Gagan Unnati Chowk and near Kesar Lodge—will be closed during this period. Additionally, the road from Khadimachine Police Chowki to Shriram Chowk will be shut to traffic.

To navigate this area, commuters are advised to take a U-turn at Khadi Machine Chowk, proceed towards the ISKCON temple parking, and continue to their destination from there. Depending on the volume of traffic and crowd density, heavy vehicles moving between Mantarwadi Phata, Khadimachine Chowk, and Katraj Chowk may face restrictions.

Wanwadi Traffic Division

Traffic movement will be regulated on August 16 starting at 4:00 PM until the crowds disperse later in the evening. Shivrakar Road will be closed during this time.

Vehicles approaching the area should take a left from Samvidhan Chowk, move via Sungrace School towards Salunke Vihar Road, and then proceed. Those turning right from Samvidhan Chowk will be directed through Flower Valley Lane → Kedari Petrol Pump. Similarly, vehicles coming in from Salunke Vihar Road should turn right at Samvidhan Chowk (instead of left), take Flower Valley Lane, and follow the diversions in place.

Faraskhana & Vishrambaug Traffic Division

Traffic changes in this busy part of the city will come into effect on August 16 from 4:00 PM onwards, remaining active until the Dahi Handi festivities conclude and the crowd clears out.

To reach Swargate via Shivaji Road, vehicles should take a diversion from S.G. Barve Chowk, heading through Jangli Maharaj Road, Khandoji Baba Chowk, and Tilak Chowk, before continuing via Tilak Road or Shastri Road.

For commuters aiming to reach Shivajinagar via Puram Chowk and Bajirao Road, the suggested route is through Tilak Road to Alka Talkies Chowk, followed by Fergusson College (F.C.) Road.

Those moving from Sanas Statue Chowk will need to pass through Senadatta Chowk to reach their destination. Meanwhile, travel to the PMC building from S.G. Barve Chowk will require a route via Jangli Maharaj Road, a turn at Jhansi Rani Chowk, and then continuing forward.

Traffic will be made one-way from Budhwar Chowk to Appa Balwant Chowk, while return movement will be diverted through Bajirao Road. Additionally, several key stretches will be closed, such as the road between Rameshwar Chowk and Shanipar Chowk, and between Sonya Maruti Chowk, Laxmi Road, and Sevasadan Chowk. Instead, traffic will be diverted via Phadke Haud Chowk.

Another major diversion includes traffic from Shivaji Road through Jijamata Chowk, Ganesh Road, and Daruwala Bridge, which will be rerouted via Gadgil Statue, Kumbharves Chowk, Padale Chowk, and Old Satoti Police Post. The entire Ganesh Road stretch will be closed at Daruwala Bridge, and Devjibaba Chowk and Phadke Haud Chowk will also remain inaccessible.

For those traveling from Sonya Maruti Chowk toward Moti Chowk and Phadke Haud Chowk, restrictions will apply. Instead, vehicles should take a right from Vijay Maruti Chowk, pass by Pasoda Vitthal Temple, reach Moti Chowk, take a left towards Phadke Haud Chowk, and then continue.

Heavy Police Presence to Ensure Safety and Order

To manage the anticipated crowd and ensure the safety of all attendees and commuters, the Pune Police will deploy a significant force across the city throughout the Dahi Handi celebrations. The deployment includes:

10 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)

16 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs)

80 Police Inspectors

350 Police Sub-Inspectors

3,500 Police Personnel