Mumbai-Pune Expressway Traffic Advisory Issued For Navratri; Alternative Routes For Devotees

During the Navratri festival, a large number of devotees are expected at the Ekvira Devi Temple, potentially leading to heavy traffic on surrounding roads. To manage the situation and ensure safe and efficient travel, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has announced changes in traffic patterns and transportation arrangements.

Every year, the Navratri festivities attract huge crowds to the Ekvira Devi Temple. To avoid congestion, authorities have implemented specific traffic restrictions this year. Between 22 September and 2 October 2025, heavy and large vehicles will be completely prohibited from accessing the road from Karla Phata to Shri Ekvira Devi Paitha Temple.

Additionally, from 27 September to 1 October 2025, heavy and large vehicles will not be allowed to use the Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza on the old Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Mumbai highways, covering the stretch from Lonavala to Vadgaon Phata and Vadgaon Maval, between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, according to Saam.

To facilitate movement, authorities have redirected traffic as follows:

Heavy and large vehicles traveling towards Pune from the old Mumbai-Pune highway will be rerouted through the express highway and Urse toll plaza via Kusgaon Budruk toll plaza in Lonavala.

Vehicles traveling towards Mumbai from Pune will be redirected via the express highway through Talegaon Phata in Vadgaon and Urse Khindi.

BEST to Run Extra Buses for Mahalaxmi Temple Fair

To accommodate commuters during the Mahalaxmi fair from 22 September to 1 October 2025, BEST will operate additional bus services on multiple routes. Key routes include:

• KLD A-37: J. Mehta Marg to Kurla Station (6:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
• Route 57: Walkeshwar to P. Thakre Udyan (6:35 AM to 10:45 PM)
• Route 151: Wadala Depot to Breach Candy Hospital
• Route A-63: Byculla Station (W) to Breach Candy

The additional bus services will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 12:15 AM, with a total of 25 buses scheduled each day, aiming to ensure smooth travel for devotees and commuters during the festival period.