Pune Traffic Alert: FC Road Diversion on August 11

Pune : Pune residents travelling through central Pune on Tuesday should plan their commute carefully as a large public rally is expected to disrupt traffic on August 11.

The Tiranga Gaurav Samiti will hold a Tiranga Rally as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The event will affect traffic movement around Fergusson College Road (FC Road) and surrounding areas from 2 PM until the procession ends.

FC Road corridor to be affected

The rally will move along the stretch between Lalit Mahal Hotel Chowk and Garware Chowk. Several junctions along the route, including Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Paduka Chowk, Tukaram Maharaj Paduka Chowk and Goodluck Chowk, are expected to see restrictions.

Motorists using FC Road during the rally will have to take alternate routes. The Traffic Police have also deployed personnel to manage movement and guide commuters through the diversion points.

Commuters have multiple alternatives

Those heading towards Khandoji Baba Chowk can approach the area through Nal Stop–Paud Phata–Athavale Chowk–Law College Road or use the Senadatta Chowk–Balshivaji–Mhatre Bridge route.

Other options include travelling through Alka Talkies, Kelkar Road, Riverbed, Shaniwar Wada and Gadgil Statue, depending on the destination.

For motorists coming from Swargate, the police have recommended different routes based on their direction of travel.

Traffic heading towards Pune University can move through Anna Bhau Sathe Chowk, N.C. Phadke Chowk, Mangirbaba Chowk, Senadatta Chowk, Mhatre Bridge and Nal Stop before joining Law College Road.

Those travelling towards Khadki or the old Pune-Mumbai Highway can use Puram Chowk, Bajirao Road, Gadgil Statue, Kumbhar Ves and RTO Chowk.

Avoid the affected stretch if possible

Motorists travelling between Garware Chowk and Chafekar Chowk have also been advised to consider the western side of the city. Routes through Prabhat Road, Law College Road, S.B. Road and Vidyapeeth Chowk can be used as alternatives.

Another option is to bypass FC Road entirely through Bhandarkar Road, BMCC Road, Chaturshringi Road or Model Colony Road, followed by Law College Road and Senapati Bapat Road.

Emergency vehicles exempted

The restrictions will not apply to essential emergency services. Ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and police vehicles will be allowed to move through the affected areas. Vehicles associated with the rally will also be permitted.

The traffic restrictions have been issued by the Pune Traffic Police under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Expect delays on Tuesday

Since FC Road connects several important parts of central Pune, traffic could build up on surrounding roads once the diversions come into effect.

The Traffic Police have urged motorists to avoid the rally zone where possible, leave early and follow instructions from traffic personnel.

For commuters, the simplest option on August 11 may be to avoid FC Road altogether during the afternoon and evening.