Pune: Lonavala Police Implement Traffic Measures To Manage Tourist Rush During Monsoon Season

Lonavala, 18th June 2024: Lonavala city has witnessed an influx of tourists from Mumbai and Pune during the rainy season, prompting the police to make temporary changes to the traffic system. Additional police forces have been deployed to address the ensuing challenges in the area.

Every year, with the onset of the monsoon, tourists flock to Lonavala and Khandala from various parts of the state, particularly Mumbai and Pune. The influx peaks during consecutive holidays, leading to significant traffic congestion, especially on weekends. The roads leading to Bhushi Dam in Lonavala often witness gridlocks as tourist vehicles struggle to navigate through the area.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, Lonavala Sub-Divisional Police Officer Satyasai Karthik stated, “We have begun planning to manage the chaos and traffic disruptions in Lonavala.” Senior Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavla City Police Station was also present at the conference.

In response to the surge in tourists, approximately 100 additional police personnel have been mobilized from Pune Rural Police Headquarters to manage traffic. Home Guard personnel will also be deployed to assist in managing the traffic flow. A team of police volunteers will support these efforts, with clear instructions provided to ensure smooth coordination.

To alleviate congestion on the Mumbai-Pune National Highway, vehicles heading towards Pune from the internal road near Ambarwadi Ganapati Temple will be diverted to the highway via Indiranagar, Tungarli, and the Narayandham police post. Motorists traveling towards Pune from Bhushi Dam are advised to use the expressway route via Sinhagad College, passing through areas such as Kailasnagar Crematorium, Hanuman Hill, and Kusgaon Ganpati Temple. Similarly, those heading towards Mumbai should follow the route via Ryewood Police Post, Khandala Gate No. 30, and the Railway Gate near Apollo Garage.

A dedicated control room has been set up at Kumar Police Chowky to oversee traffic management. Loudspeakers have been installed at key junctions including Kumar Police Chowky, A One Chikki Chowk, Minu Garage Chowk, Mawli Putla Chowk, and Sahara Pool area to provide real-time updates to drivers. Additionally, a one-way road system has been implemented between Bhangarwadi Indrayani Bridge and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to ease congestion in the Lonavla Bazar area.

Parking arrangements have been structured according to even and odd dates within the city to streamline vehicle parking. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Satyasai Karthik emphasized that strict actions will be taken against motorists found violating parking regulations.

“Motorists traveling 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 Lonavla city and rural police stations will be deployed to take immediate action against any unruly behavior.”