Lonavala traffic dept implements traffic changes due to surge in number of tourists

The influx peaks during consecutive holidays, leading to significant congestion, especially on weekends. The roads leading to Bhushi Dam in Lonavala often experience gridlocks as tourists navigate through the area.

19 June 2024

Lonavala city is experiencing traffic congestion due to a surge of tourists from Mumbai and Pune during the rainy season. The city has implemented temporary traffic changes and deployed additional police forces to address the issues. The influx peaks during consecutive holidays, leading to significant congestion, especially on weekends. The roads leading to Bhushi Dam in Lonavala often experience gridlocks as tourists navigate through the area.

Lonavala Sub-Divisional Police Officer Satyasai Karthik announced plans to manage traffic disruptions in the city due to a surge in tourists. Around 100 additional police personnel have been mobilized from Q Pune Rural Police Headquarters, along with Home Guard personnel, to manage traffic flow. A team of police volunteers will support these efforts, with clear instructions provided to ensure coordination.

Mumbai-Pune National vehicles heading towards Pune from the internal road near Ambarwadi Ganapati Temple will be diverted via Indiranagar, Tungarli, and the Narayan Dham police post. Motorists from Bhushi Dam should use the expressway route via Sinhagad College, passing through Kailash Nagar Crematorium, Hanuman Hill, and Kusgaon Ganpati Temple. People travelling towards Mumbai should follow the route via Ryewood Police Post, Khandala Gate No. 30, and Railway Gate near Apollo Garage.

A traffic management control room has been established at Kumar Police Chowky, with loudspeakers installed at key junctions for real-time updates. A one-way road system has been implemented between Bhangarwadi Indrayani Bridge and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to ease congestion in Lonavala Bazar. Parking arrangements have been structured according to even and odd dates, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Satyasai Karthik has stated strict actions will be taken against parking violations.

Motorists travelling towards Bhushi Dam are strictly prohibited from halting their vehicles on the roads where designated parking spaces are available. It is mandated that vehicles be parked only in designated areas. Furthermore, parking in a manner that obstructs traffic flow in the Khandala Rajmachi Point area is prohibited. Tourists are urged to adhere to all directives issued by the police.”

SDPO Karthik issued a stern warning, stating, “A joint team comprising personnel from Lonavala city and rural police stations will be deployed to take immediate action against any unruly behaviour.”