Diwali Shopping: Heavy Vehicles Banned on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road on Weekends
Pune traffic police have stopped heavy vehicles on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road every Saturday and Sunday from 25 October until the end of Diwali, to ease crowds near Laxmi Road and Tulshibaug.
By Sham Rathi ·
Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road in central Pune on Saturdays and Sundays until the Diwali festival ends, Pune traffic police have said.
The order, issued on Saturday, 24 October 2026, by Dr. Sandeep Bhajibhakre, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pune City, takes effect from Sunday, 25 October. It withdraws the earlier permission for heavy vehicles on these roads at weekends.
Why
The busy Diwali shopping areas around Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road and Tulshibaug draw large weekend crowds. Keeping heavy vehicles off the two main roads nearby will reduce traffic jams and make it safer for people walking to the markets.
Tips for shoppers
- Use PMPML buses, the Metro or a shared auto to reach the peth markets at weekends.
- Park in pay-and-park lots and avoid stopping on the main roads.
- Transporters should plan deliveries to the area on weekdays.
Questions and answers
Are heavy vehicles banned on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road in Pune during Diwali 2026?
Yes. Heavy vehicles are banned on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road every Saturday and Sunday from 25 October 2026 until the end of Diwali.
Who issued the Diwali heavy vehicle ban order in Pune?
Dr. Sandeep Bhajibhakre, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pune City, issued the order on 24 October 2026.
Why are heavy vehicles banned on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road in Pune?
To reduce traffic jams and keep shoppers safe near the busy Diwali markets on Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road and Tulshibaug.
On which days is the heavy vehicle ban on Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road?
On Saturdays and Sundays, from 25 October 2026 until Diwali ends.
