Lonavala Traffic Restrictions Till August 31: Key Tourist Roads Closed, Alternate Routes Announced

Pune, July 7: Tourists heading to Lonavala during the monsoon season will face major traffic restrictions, with several key roads leading to popular attractions closed or diverted until August 31, 2026. The Pune District Administration has introduced the measures to reduce congestion, improve road safety and ensure smooth movement of emergency vehicles during the peak tourist season.

The order has been issued by Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi following a recommendation from the Pune Rural Police, which highlighted growing traffic jams, accident risks and poor road conditions caused by continuous rainfall and heavy tourist inflow.

Restrictions Introduced After Safety Assessment

According to the administration, Lonavala’s narrow hill roads have been witnessing severe traffic congestion every weekend due to the surge in visitors. Continuous rain has further increased the risk of landslides and road damage, while long queues of vehicles have delayed the movement of ambulances and other emergency services.

Based on a report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, the district administration has enforced temporary traffic regulations across the Lonavala-Maval region from July 6 to August 31.

Major Road Closures And Diversions

Several routes connecting popular tourist destinations have been closed to tourist vehicles.

The direct road from Bhaje Village to Malavli-Karla has been shut. Vehicles travelling from Bhaje must now use the alternate route via Patan Bridge, Devle-Aundhe Bridge, Saksos Road and Kusgaon before joining the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway or the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

The Aundhe-Devle Road towards Malavli-Bhaje has also been closed. Motorists travelling in that direction have been diverted through Aundhe, Lonavala, Karla Phata, Malavli and Bhaje.

Traffic on the Malavli-Sadapur-Karla route has also been restricted. Vehicles must now travel through Waksai Phata to connect with the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Similarly, the return route from Waksai Phata via Sadapur has been closed, with traffic diverted through Karla Phata, Malavli, Patan and Bhaje.

In another major decision, the Bhaje-Lohagad Fort Road has been completely closed to tourist vehicles for the duration of the notification.

Alternate Routes For Lohagad Fort Visitors

Visitors returning from Lohagad Fort have been assigned separate exit routes based on vehicle type.

Four-wheelers travelling towards Pune or Mumbai must use the route via Dudhiware Khind, Audholi and Aundhe before joining the highway or expressway.

Two-wheelers and three-wheelers have been directed to travel through Dudhiware Khind, Audholi, Aundhe Bridge, Kusgaon and Lonavala before connecting to the main road network.

Heavy Vehicles Barred

Heavy, oversized and commercial goods vehicles have been prohibited from using the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway stretch between Karla Phata and Vehergaon. The administration said the restriction is aimed at reducing congestion around Karla Caves and Ekvira Devi Temple, which attract thousands of visitors during the monsoon.

Local Residents Exempt

The administration has clarified that these restrictions apply only to tourist vehicles. Residents of villages within the affected area will be allowed to use their regular routes after producing valid proof of residence, ensuring that local travel, farming activities and businesses remain unaffected.

Administration Appeals To Tourists

The Pune District Administration has urged tourists to plan their travel in advance, follow the designated diversion routes and cooperate with police personnel deployed across the region. Officials said the temporary measures are intended to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and ensure quicker emergency response during one of Lonavala’s busiest tourist seasons.