The Pavagadh pilgrimage site in Gujarat will enforce special traffic restrictions on Sundays for the next two months to manage the increasing number of devotees and prevent traffic congestion. Additional District Magistrate J. J. Patel has issued a public notification detailing the restrictions on vehicle movement and parking.
Under the new rules, only Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses, government vehicles and taxis permanently registered in Pavagadh village will be allowed to travel from the foothills (Taleti) to Machi.
The entry of private light and heavy vehicles will depend on parking availability at Machi. A maximum of 45 parking tokens will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the parking area is full, no additional private vehicles will be permitted to travel uphill from the foothills.
Private heavy vehicles will also be prohibited from approaching Pavagadh through the Halol-Timbi junction, Jepura crossroads, Vadatalav crossroads, Dhinkva crossroads and Dhankuva crossroads.
The notification also bans the transportation of goods and materials using animals, as well as leading animals along the road between Machi and Dudhiya Talav. However, vehicles carrying essential commodities and GSRTC buses are exempt from these restrictions. Government vehicles engaged in official duties and ambulances are also exempt.
The administration has instructed private parking operators not to charge fees exceeding the rates prescribed by the Pavagadh Development Authority. Landowners planning to use agricultural land for private parking must obtain prior permission from the authorities.
The measures aim to ensure smoother traffic movement, prevent congestion and improve visitor management at the popular pilgrimage destination during the Sunday rush.