Pune, 9th July 2023: Lonavala, a popular tourist destination located near Pune, witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals on Sunday, leading to major traffic disruptions in the city and surrounding areas.
The scenic beauty and pleasant weather of Lonavala make it a preferred weekend getaway for people from Pune, Mumbai, and other parts of Maharashtra. As a result, Saturdays and Sundays tend to attract a high number of visitors, especially during the monsoon season.
The sudden influx of tourists on Sunday overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, causing long queues of vehicles and traffic congestion on the roads of Lonavala and the route to Bhushi Dam. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sub Divisional Police Officer Satyasai Karthik ordered an increase in security measures and transportation planning.
To address the ongoing crisis and prevent further traffic congestion and related issues, additional police forces were deployed, and volunteers were enlisted to assist with managing the traffic situation in Lonavala. Their combined efforts played a crucial role in defusing the traffic congestion and restoring normalcy in the city.
Despite the concerted efforts of the police and volunteers, the large influx of tourists arriving by car severely impacted the flow of traffic. The main roads, internal streets, and the road leading to Bhushi Dam experienced slow-moving vehicles and long queues. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of not stopping vehicles on the road and have urged tourists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations for everyone’s safety.
To mitigate the traffic congestion, certain roads were temporarily diverted, and a step-by-step release of vehicles was implemented by closing one-way traffic temporarily. Areas such as the old Mumbai-Pune highway passing through Lonavala, Bhushi Dam, Lions Point road, Bhaje Caves, Karla Caves, Lohgad Fort, and Pavananagar were particularly affected by the heavy traffic.
In response, the police have taken measures to address encroachments on the Malvali-Bhaje road, and parking of vehicles has been strictly prohibited in the Karla Phata area to ensure smooth traffic flow. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to manage the tourist rush effectively and minimize traffic disruptions in Lonavala.
Tourists planning to visit Lonavala are advised to check the current traffic updates, plan their travel accordingly, and cooperate with the authorities to maintain a smooth flow of traffic. The police and local administration are committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of both residents and tourists in Lonavala, and they appreciate the public’s cooperation in this endeavor.
