NASHIK: The city police have announced a temporary ban on vehicular movement in and around the Kapaleshwar temple precinct and Ramkund in Panchavati on select days of Shravan to ease congestion and safeguard devotees, officials said on Wednesday.
When and where the restrictions apply
The restrictions will be in force from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm on all Mondays and Saturdays between 13 August and 11 September. The police specified the exact dates as 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 August and 5 and 7 September. Vehicles approaching the Kapaleshwar temple from Malegaon Stand, Khandwe Sabhagruh, Sardar Chowk and Dhikle Library will be stopped during the restricted period, the notification said.
Exemptions, diversions and enforcement
Emergency and essential services — including ambulances and police vehicles — have been exempted from the ban, the police clarification added. General traffic will be diverted along alternative routes around Panchavati for the duration of the restrictions.
- Restricted hours: 6.00 am–10.00 pm on specified Mondays and Saturdays (13 Aug–11 Sept).
- Specified restricted dates: 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 August; 5, 7 September.
- Exemptions: emergency and essential-service vehicles.
Senior police officials warned motorists that action would be taken against those violating the traffic notification. They also said traffic diversion plans and timings may be modified depending on crowd movement and prevailing conditions during the festival period.
“The restrictions are aimed at easing congestion and ensuring public safety amid the expected surge of pilgrims,” the notification said.
Local context and likely impact
Ramkund and the Kapaleshwar temple in Panchavati are among Nashik’s most frequented pilgrimage and tourist spots, particularly during Shravan when devotees from Maharashtra and neighbouring states congregate for rituals on the Godavari ghats. The police move seeks to prevent gridlock on narrow lanes around the ghats and to reduce risks to pedestrians in areas that can become densely packed during festival days.
Residents and traders in and around Panchavati can expect restricted vehicle access and changes to usual delivery and pick-up schedules on the listed dates. Commuters who normally pass through the area will need to follow police directions and use the designated diversion routes until the restrictions are lifted each night.
Transport operators and ride-hailing services should also note the timings to avoid penalties, police said. No detailed map of diversion routes was included in the public advisory, but city traffic personnel will be on ground to guide motorists on the day, according to officials.
Administration and crowd management ahead of Simhastha
The announcement comes amid heightened planning for religious gatherings in Nashik this year. Police said the restrictions are part of broader crowd-management measures and that they will coordinate with civic agencies to maintain order. Senior officials added that the schedule of diversions and the deployment of traffic personnel may be adapted based on real-time assessments of crowd density and traffic flow.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Restriction window | 6.00 am–10.00 pm |
| Days affected | Mondays and Saturdays between 13 Aug–11 Sept (8 dates specified) |
| Exemptions | Ambulances, police and other essential-service vehicles |
Devotees planning to visit Ramkund or nearby temples during Shravan are advised to check timings and allow extra time for travel. Local residents expecting visitors or running businesses in Panchavati should plan for restricted vehicle movement on the listed dates and co-operate with traffic staff to ensure smooth movement of both footfall and emergency access.
Police said further advisories, including any changes to timings or additional dates, will be issued if required as the festival period progresses.
