India, Oct. 28 -- With central parts of the city witnessing a surge in shoppers ahead of Diwali, the traffic police have prohibited the transport of goods to shops in crowded Peth areas during the daytime, permitting loading and unloading only between 11 pm and 9 am till November 12. The restrictions have come into force from Monday, October 26; and cover prominent commercial stretches including Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Bohri Ali, Ganesh Peth, Ravivar Peth, Shukrawar Peth, Tapkir Galli, Kumthekar Road, Kelkar Road and Bajirao Road among other shopping areas.

The move aims to ease congestion and ensure safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles during the festive season. Narrow roads coupled with heavy footfalls in the...