Pune: Traffic Diversion Announced in Lonavala Amid Tourist Rush and Monsoon Risks
Lonavala, 11th June 2025: With the onset of the monsoon season and a sharp rise in tourist footfall at popular attractions in the Lonavala region, the Pune district administration has announced temporary traffic diversions to ease congestion and prevent accidents. The changes will remain in effect until 31 August 2025.
District Collector and Magistrate Jitendra Dudi issued the order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, citing safety and traffic regulation as key concerns. The move is aimed at managing the seasonal surge of visitors to Lonavala’s key tourist spots including Ekvira Devi Temple, Karla and Bhaje Caves, Lohagad and Visapur Forts, Tiger Point, Pawna Dam, and others.
“These measures are essential to prevent traffic chaos and ensure public safety, especially with the possibility of heavy rainfall and slippery roads in the area,” the Collector’s office stated.
Key Diversions Implemented
- Bhaje to Malavali-Karla Route: Closed to traffic. Alternate route via Patan Bridge → Devale Aundhe Bridge → Kusgaon Service Road → Lonavala → Old Mumbai-Pune Highway and Expressway.
- Aundhe-Devale to Malavali-Bhaje Route: Closed. Alternate path: Aundhe → Lonavala → Karla Phata → Malavali → Bhaje.
- Malavali/Sadapur to Karla Route: Closed. Alternate path: Malavali/Sadapur → Waksai Phata → Old Highway.
- Waksai Phata to Sadapur-Malavali: Traffic prohibited. Alternate route from Karla Phata → Malavali → Patan → Bhaje.
- Bhaje to Lohagad Road: One-way traffic only. Vehicles must follow the designated one-way route.
- Lohagad to Pune-Mumbai Route (Four-Wheelers): Use:
- Lohagad → Dudhiware Khind → Aundholi → Aundhe → Express Highway
- Lohagad → Dudhiware Khind → Pavananagar → Express Highway
- Lohagad to Mumbai/Pune Route (Two- and Three-Wheelers): Use:
- Lohagad → Dudhiware Khind → Aundholi → Aundhe → Kusgaon → Lonavala → Old Highway.
- Heavy Vehicles: Prohibited on the stretch between Karla Phata and Vehergaon on Old Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Mumbai highways.
Local Residents Exempt
The order clarifies that the traffic restrictions do not apply to residents of affected villages.
The administration has appealed to all tourists and transport operators to cooperate with the changes, emphasizing that the arrangements are temporary and necessary for public safety during the monsoon.
