India, Oct. 26 -- The Pune city traffic police have withdrawn the weekend relaxation for heavy vehicles on Bajirao Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road in the city's central area until Diwali concludes, anticipating a further surge in shoppers at key markets and seeking to prevent traffic congestion, police said on Sunday.

The restriction came into effect on October 25 and will remain in force throughout the day on every Saturday and Sunday until the end of the festival. An order to this effect was issued by deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Sandeep Bhajibhakre under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The move comes as Pune's central areas have witnessed a steady rise in footfall over the past two to three day...