Pune Gets Long Weekend Off for Eid-e-Milad and Anant Chaturdashi: Road Closures and PMPML Bus Route Changes Announced
Pune, September 15, 2024: The residents of the district are set to enjoy an extended weekend as District Collector Suhas Diwase has declared Monday, September 16, as a government holiday for Eid-e-Milad. This announcement gives Punekars a long weekend from Saturday to Monday. Additionally, Tuesday, September 17, marks another holiday for Anant Chaturdashi, with many private and government offices closing due to the extensive road closures for Ganesh Visarjan.
Anant Chaturdashi Road Closures and Half-Day Observance
The day after Eid-e-Milad, Pune will celebrate Anant Chaturdashi with Ganesh idol immersion ceremonies, attracting crowds from across the district and beyond. Major Ganesh Mandals will conduct elaborate processions, leading to the annual closure of key city roads. Many workplaces are expected to operate for only half a day on Wednesday, September 18, as the immersion ceremonies often extend over 24 hours.
PMPML Announces Bus Route Changes
In light of the road closures, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has announced temporary changes to bus services. The following adjustments will be in effect on the day of Ganesh Visarjan:
- Swargate to Katraj and Market Yard: Buses will start from Laxminarayan Theatre Chowk instead of Shahu Maharaj Stand (Swargate).
- Natraj Bus Stand to Sinhagad Road: The new departure point is Parvati Paytha (Swami Samarth Math) Bus Stand.
- Swargate to Pulgate and Hadapsar via Solapur Road: Buses will now depart from Vega Centre Bus Stand, near Swargate.
- Swargate to Bhavani Peth, Nana Peth, and Rasta Peth: The departure point is changed to Vega Centre Bus Stand.
- Deccan Gymkhana to Kothrud Depot, Malwadi, and NDA Gate: Buses will now begin their journey from SNDT College Bus Stand.
These changes are aimed at accommodating the closures of key routes including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Bajirao Road, Laxmi Road, Tilak Road, and Karve Road during the Ganesh Visarjan processions.
Holiday Observance in Mumbai
Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban areas has planned to hold their Eid-e-Milad procession on September 18, taking into account Ganesh Visarjan on September 17. Consequently, the Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on September 18 in these regions.
Pune’s long weekend and the adjusted public transport schedule are set to impact daily life across the city. Residents and commuters are advised to plan accordingly to avoid disruptions during the festivities.
