With hundreds of thousands of warkaris expected to pass through Pune district, District Collector Jitendra Dudi has ordered a comprehensive and aggressive review of infrastructure and safety along the traditional Palkhi routes. During a high-level meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Collector emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for any lapses in public facilities for the upcoming pilgrimage.
The 2026 Ashadhi Wari schedule has been adjusted due to an additional lunar month. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi is set to depart from Dehu on June 25, while the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi will leave Alandi on July 8. The main Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations in Pandharpur are scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Security and Crowd Management
To ensure a safe environment for the massive gathering, the administration is implementing several high-tech and high-authority measures:
Nodal Officers: Senior Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) rank officers will be appointed to personally oversee security and logistics along each major route.
Surveillance: Approximately 180 CCTV cameras will be installed around the darshan queue zones in Alandi.
Safety Features: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will install temporary lighting and barricading at the critical Dive Ghat stretch to manage nighttime movement.
Infrastructure and Civic Directives
The Collector has set strict deadlines—with many works targeted for completion by May 15—to ensure that the spiritual journey is not hindered by construction:
Road Repairs: Urgent repairs are mandated for the Dehu Cantonment stretch and the Inamdar Wada area. Land acquisition for road widening near the Sant Tukaram route is being fast-tracked.
Akurdi Halt: Authorities must clear space and finish all Metro-related work between Kalbhor Nagar and Akurdi before the Palkhi arrives.
Loni Kalbhor Upgrade: This major halt will see an expansion of facilities, including additional German hangars and increased water tankers to accommodate the growing number of devotees.
Health and Ritual Logistics
The administration is coordinating with various departments to support the physical and spiritual needs of the pilgrims:
Emergency Medical Support: Dedicated ambulances will be provided to the institutions managing the Dehu and Alandi processions.
River Release: The Water Resources Department has been instructed to release water into the Nira River two days before the procession arrives to facilitate ritual holy baths.
Queue Management: In Alandi, discussions are underway to increase the height of the Bhakti Sopan bridge and establish a permanent queue management system to prevent stampedes.Collector Dudi reminded all departments that the Palkhi is globally recognized for its discipline, stating, “Every department must work in coordination to provide the best possible arrangements for the warkaris.” This meeting signals that Pune district has officially entered full-scale preparation mode for one of Maharashtra’s most significant annual cultural events.
