In anticipation of the annual Palkhi procession of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has announced the deployment of additional buses to accommodate the influx of devotees and citizens from across the state. This special arrangement will be in effect from June 26th to June 30th, 2024.
Enhanced Bus Services
To ensure smooth transportation for devotees, PMPML will operate extra buses from various locations within Pune city and its suburbs. These locations include Swargate, Pune Station, Hadapsar, Nigdi, Bhosari, Hinjewadi, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In total, 106 buses will be available for service during this period. Notably, on June 29th, 2024, services to Alandi will be extended until midnight to accommodate the devotees.
Specific Routes and Additional Buses
Dehu and Alandi Routes
To facilitate transportation to Dehu, PMPML will provide 30 buses from Pune Station, M.N.P., and Nigdi. Additionally, there will be 12 buses available for the Dehu to Alandi route, ensuring that devotees can travel conveniently between these important locations.
Early Morning Services on June 30th
On June 30th, 2024, due to the Palkhi procession starting from Alandi, 27 additional buses will be deployed from 2:30 AM from Swargate, Pune Station, and Hadapsar to Alandi. Regular bus services from various bus stands in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will commence from 5:30 AM, providing a total of 106 buses for devotees.
Special Arrangements During the Palkhi Halt
Hadapsar Services
During the Palkhi’s halt at Hadapsar on July 2nd, 2024, between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, PMPML will arrange bus services from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Stand to Pune Station, Warje Malwadi, Kothrud Depot, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and Alandi. Additional services will also be provided from Shivarkar Garden to Kharadi, Chandannagar, and Wagholi, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all devotees.
Route Adjustments Due to the Procession
The Palkhi procession will then proceed via Solapur and Saswad Road. As the Solapur/Uruli Kanchan route opens to traffic, bus services will resume accordingly. The regular route from Hadapsar to Saswad will remain closed, but an alternate route via Bopdev Ghat will be operational, with 60 additional buses scheduled from Swargate, Pune Station, and Hadapsar.
Appeal to Devotees and Citizens
PMPML appeals to all devotees and citizens to take note of these arrangements and cooperate to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transportation experience during the Palkhi procession. These efforts are aimed at providing efficient and comfortable travel for everyone participating in this significant cultural and religious event.