Police and administration in Pune are preparing for the big events in the Pune while the planning for New Year’s celebrations continues as usual. The city and rural police are also preparing for the celebration of the Bhima Koregaon Battle Anniversary in the district on January 1.
For the smooth execution of the Battle of Koregaon Bhima anniversary event on January 1, a robust security arrangement will be in place. This includes the deployment of 4,500 security personnel, 120 acres of parking areas, along with around 380 PMPML buses, fire tenders, ambulances, and a dedicated team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The event is expected to attract a significant influx of visitors from across the state and country.
Speaking to ANI, Pune Rural SP Pankaj Deshmukh shared details about the police arrangements, highlighting the adequate parking facilities available for visitors. He welcomed all visitors, appealing to them to maintain peace during the celebrations.
“For the upcoming Bhima-Koregaon Anniversary celebrations, the Pune Rural Police is completely geared up. At the same time, the district administration is ready. We have been provided with a large number of parking places where the visitors can come and park their vehicles… I welcome all the visitors for this celebration and would appeal to them to conduct these celebrations peacefully..,” he said.
Every year, Koregaon Bhima village becomes a significant pilgrimage site as thousands of visitors gather to commemorate the anniversary of the historic battle that occurred on January 1, 1818. This battle was a pivotal conflict between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy. The event marked a critical moment in Indian history, symbolizing resistance against colonial rule.
People from various backgrounds come to offer their tributes and honor the valor displayed by the soldiers who fought in this battle. However, the 200th anniversary celebrations on January 1, 2018, were marred by violence, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. In response, the police took proactive measures by filing 58 cases against 162 individuals. Violence erupted after some people, reportedly with saffron flags, pelted stones at cars heading towards the Perne village on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road for the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon war.
Thus, every year, the police announce the arrangements ahead of the anniversary.
Check the traffic alterations as follows
All traffic from Chakan to Shikrapur and Shikrapur to Chakan on both sides will be completely closed. Heavy vehicles from Ahmednagar towards Pune will go to Pune via Shirur, Nhawara Phata, Nhawara, Pargaon, Chauphula, Yavat, and Hadapsar.
Alternate routes
Heavy vehicles from Pune to Ahmednagar will be diverted from Kharadi exit to Hadapsar via Pune-Solapur highway via Chauphula, Kedgaon to Nhawara, and the Shirur-Ahilyanagar route. Heavy vehicles, trucks, tempos, etc., going to Alandi and Chakan from Solapur highway will go via Hadapsar, Magarpatta, and Kharadi exit to Vishrantwadi.
Heavy vehicles, trucks, tempos, etc., going to Ahmednagar from Mumbai will go via Vadgaon Maval, Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, and Alephata. Light vehicles, such as cars, jeeps, etc., going to Ahmednagar from Mumbai will go via Vadgaon Maval, Chakan, Khed, Pabal, and Shirur.
Parking arrangements
Meanwhile, the Pune District Collector has issued an order that vacant private land be temporarily acquired until Jan 2 to construct temporary parking lots for vehicles coming to Bhima Koregaon. The collector has also emphasized the need for additional metro services to accommodate people traveling between Dec 31 and Jan 1 to Bhima Koregaon. He noted that the number of public buses in service has increased compared to last year. To ensure convenience, he suggested setting up restrooms along roads and implementing traffic management plans to avoid congestion on the event day. Information boards with clear instructions should be installed at strategic locations to guide people to the facilities, he added.
Every year on Jan 1, thousands of Dalits, predominantly Ambedkarites, converge at the ‘Jaystambh’ in Perne village near Bhima Koregaon in Pune district. Erected in 1821 by the British, the ‘Jaystambh’ commemorates the historic battle that saw the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II by the British Army, mainly composed of Dalit Mahars. During the Jan 1, 1818 battle, around 500 Dalit Mahar soldiers overcame the 28,000-strong force of upper-caste Peshwas. This event holds deep significance for Dalits, symbolizing their fight against alleged oppressive Peshwa casteism.
Metro
Ramwadi is the nearest metro station to Perne village. Metros will be running on regular time.
PMPML
To accommodate the large crowds from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and rural areas, PMPML will deploy extra buses on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, ensuring seamless travel for passengers.
On December 31, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM, 75 free (ticketless) buses will be available for commuters traveling from Tulapur Phata, Lonikand Kusti Maidan, Khandoba Maal, Chinchban, Phulgaon School, and Perne Village. On January 1, 2025, between 4:00 AM and 12:00 PM, an additional 250 free buses will operate from these same locations, traveling to Perne Toll Naka. For those traveling from the Shikrapur division, 150 free buses will be available on December 31, 2024, starting at 7:00 AM, departing from Shikrapur Road, Jeet Parking, Nagar Road, and Pimple Jagtap Chakan Road to Bhima Koregaon Vijayastambh. On January 1, 2025, between 4:00 AM and 12:00 PM, a total of 380 free buses will be operating from Shikrapur Road, Jeet Parking, Nagar Road, Pimple Jagtap Chakan Road, Vadhu Parking, and Inamdar Hospital to Vadhu. These efforts are aimed at ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel for passengers during the Bhima Koregaon anniversary celebrations.
