The city police traffic branch has announced changes to the city's traffic arrangements to accommodate the upcoming processions and rallies marking the 132nd birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on April 14. The changes will be effective from 6 am to 12 midnight on Friday, according to Acting ACP Dilip Gangurde, who added that they are intended to facilitate the movement of people during the event.
The main procession is set to begin at Kranti Chowk and will pass through Paithan Gate, Gulmandi, City Chowk, the main post office, and end at Dr Ambedkar's statue at Bhadkal Gate. Similarly, rallies and processions will be organized from various parts of the city, and as a result, traffic arrangements have been revised. However, the changes will not affect the movement of emergency services vehicles, police, or fire brigade.
Several roads will be closed to traffic, including Mahavir Chowk to Amarpreet Chowk, Gopal Tee - Kranti Chowk - Sillekhana - Paithan Gate - Barabhai Tajiya - Gulmandi - Supari Hanuman Mandir - Uttam Mithai Bhandar - City Chowk - Juna Bazar - Main Post Office - Bhadkal Gate, Shahgunj - Gandhi Statue - Sarafa - City Chowk, Mill Corner to Bhadkal Gate, Aurangpura Police Chowki to Barabhai Tajia, and N-12 Nursery - Godawari Public School - TV Centre - N-9 Cidco - Ayodhyanagar - Shivneri Colony - N-7 Shopping Centre.
To facilitate smooth flow of traffic, vehicles coming from Jalgaon Road will be directed through Harsul T-point - Jalgaon T-point - Jalna Road - Amarpreet Chowk. Other alternative roads include Satish Motors - Savarkar Chowk - Nirala Bazar - Aurangpura and Chelipura - Kamakshi Lodge - Municipal Corporation. Vehicles coming from Delhi Gate will be rerouted to pass under the Town Hall flyover - Makai Gate - Begumpura - BAMU.
The police department has advised citizens to plan their travel accordingly, and those residing near the procession routes are advised to avoid driving their vehicles during the event. The department has also deployed additional personnel to regulate traffic and ensure the safety of participants and the public.