Home / Disasters and Accidents / Diwali Shopping Frenzy and VIP Visits Choke Pune Roads
Diwali Shopping Frenzy and VIP Visits Choke Pune Roads
11 Oct
Summary
- Laxmi Road, Kelkar Road, and Tilak Road overwhelmed by shoppers
- Karve Road, FC Road, and Shivajinagar affected by VIP convoys
- Traffic police resort to using ropes to control desperate motorists
On Saturday, October 12th, 2025, Pune's roads were choked with traffic as the city experienced a surge of Diwali shoppers and high-profile visits. The old parts of the city, including Laxmi Road, Kelkar Road, and Tilak Road, were overwhelmed by the influx of vehicles and pedestrians, making movement nearly impossible.
Simultaneously, major roads like Karve Road, FC Road, and Shivajinagar bore the brunt of VIP convoys, causing long tailbacks and commuter frustration. Residents reported taking significantly longer to reach their destinations, with one Yerawada resident taking 30 minutes to reach Jayantrao Tilak Bridge from Shivajinagar, a journey that normally takes under 10 minutes.
The traffic situation was so chaotic that the traffic police resorted to using ropes across junctions to rein in desperate motorists jumping red lights. This impromptu measure also helped pedestrians navigate the crowded streets more safely and smoothly. By late evening, the traffic gradually eased, and normalcy returned to the city's roads.
