Time-bound Ban on Heavy Vehicles to Ease Pune–Bengaluru Highway Traffic
From October 15, 2025, the Pune district administration is implementing time restrictions on heavy vehicles along the Pune–Bengaluru Corridor (Katraj–Kiwale bypass) in a bid to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion. The move, in cooperation with Pune Police, aims to make travel smoother for daily commuters and reduce traffic delays.
Under the new rule:
- Morning (8 am to 11 am): Heavy vehicles cannot travel from Katraj to Kiwale.
- Evening (5 pm to 9 pm): Movement is restricted from Kiwale to Katraj, including parts of the old Pune–Mumbai Highway (NH-4).
- Exceptions will apply for essential service vehicles (fuel, milk, emergency services) and vehicles entering Pune proper.
Vehicles originating from regions like Satara, Sangli, or Kolhapur that do not enter Pune will be stopped before certain toll plazas (like Shindewadi). Those heading from Raigad, Thane, or Navi Mumbai will be restricted before entering via Urse or Vadgaon. The ban will remain “until further orders.” Authorities have directed placement of warning boards along affected stretches and ordered strict enforcement.
City officials hope this measure will:
- Reduce congestion during peak commuting times
- Improve average travel speeds
- Lower risk of traffic collisions caused by large, slow-moving vehicles
Residents and daily commuters have expressed cautious optimism, though much will depend on enforcement. If trucks and heavy vehicles adhere to the new timings, many citizens believe their daily journeys could become far less chaotic.
