Pune: Ban on heavy vehicles in Lonavala during daytime to reduce congestion

Pune: Following a series of severe accidents and frequent traffic jams involving heavy vehicles, the District Collector of Pune, Suhas Divase, has imposed a permanent daytime ban on these vehicles in Lonavala city.

It is to ensure the safety of people living there, as well as tourists, besides improving the traffic flow in the town. The ban has come into effect from Manashakti Center in Lonavala to Battery Hill in Khandala.

According to the latest reports, heavy traffic on the Mumbai-Pune highway is now being diverted to other routes, with heavy vehicles asked to take the expressway to avoid the city. This ban order will be effective from 6 a.m. up to 10 p.m.

Lonavala and Khandala are the weekend getaways for both Mumbaikars and Punekars, especially during the monsoon season. The situation worsens on weekends as the city has to accommodate trucks and containers that reduce speed and create bottlenecks.

District Collector Suhas Divase has very clearly stated the need for taking this step as heavy vehicles in the past have been responsible for many accidents happening in that particular area.

The authorities are aiming to avoid the occurrence of accidents in those locations and to make the traffic more optimal for passenger vehicles by asking the heavy vehicles to ply the expressway. The blockage of road movement on the national highway due to these accidents and other concerned citizens has been the basis of this decision.

Initially, the ban was imposed on their movement within city areas from 6 AM to 10 PM based on a proposal by the police. The large vehicles continued to ply most during this time as there was no definition for identifying heavy vehicles.

Hence, the Lonavala police made a revised demand to ban entry of heavy and bulky vehicles, stating that there is no mention of the definition of heavy vehicles. Police Inspector Suhas Jagtap of Lonavla City said, “Two days ago, an order to ban heavy vehicles on the old road came. Accordingly, action is being taken.

The IRB has recommended that the company to install a board. Additionally, action will be taken against those who violate the rules.” The locals and tourists are also urged to comply with the new regulations for using the designated routes to maintain safety and order on the roads.