Lonavala Roads Closed Till August 31 Amid Monsoon Rush

Planning a trip to Lonavala this monsoon? You may have to rethink your travel route. The Pune district administration has imposed major traffic restrictions across Lonavala’s popular tourist destinations to tackle heavy congestion and reduce the risk of accidents during the peak monsoon season.

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Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi has issued a comprehensive traffic diversion order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The restrictions came into effect on July 6 and will remain in force until August 31, 2026.

Monsoon Rush Triggers Safety Measures

The decision follows a safety assessment by the Pune Rural Police, which warned that continuous heavy rainfall and a massive influx of weekend tourists were creating dangerous traffic bottlenecks across Lonavala and Maval taluka.

Authorities said the severe congestion was blocking emergency vehicles and increasing the chances of landslides, road cave-ins, and serious accidents on narrow ghat roads.

Major Tourist Roads Closed

Several routes connecting Bhaje, Malavli, Karla, Lohagad Fort, and Visapur Fort have now been closed to general tourist traffic.

Visitors travelling between Bhaje and Karla, Malavli and Karla, or heading towards Lohagad Fort must use the alternative routes notified by the administration. Multiple diversion plans have been implemented through Patan Bridge, Devle-Aundhe Bridge, Kusgaon, Karla Phata, Waksai Phata, and the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway to ensure smoother traffic movement.

One of the biggest changes is the complete closure of the Bhaje-Lohagad Fort road for tourist vehicles.

New Routes for Lohagad Visitors

Vehicles returning from Lohagad Fort towards Pune or Mumbai must now follow designated diversion routes.

Four-wheelers have been directed to travel via Dudhiware Khind, Audholi and Aundhe before joining the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway or Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Two-wheelers and three-wheelers must also use the same diversion before entering Kusgaon and Lonavala.

Heavy Vehicles Banned

The administration has also imposed a complete ban on heavy, oversized and commercial cargo vehicles between Karla Phata and Vehergaon on the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway.

Officials said the move aims to reduce congestion near the Karla Caves and Ekvira Devi Temple, two of the busiest monsoon tourist destinations.

Relief for Local Residents

The restrictions will not apply to local residents living in the affected villages.

Residents will be allowed to use their regular roads after producing valid address proof, ensuring that daily travel, farming and business activities remain unaffected.

Tourists Urged to Cooperate

The Pune district administration has appealed to tourists to follow the diversion routes, cooperate with police personnel, and plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconvenience during the monsoon season.

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