Pune APMC Traders Call Bandh on February 25 Over Rising Thefts and Traffic Chaos

APMC traders in Pune announce a bandh on February 25 to protest rising thefts and worsening traffic chaos within the Market Yard, calling for urgent administrative action.

Pune | 21 February, 2026- Traders operating at Pune’s Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Market Yard have announced a one-day bandh on February 25, protesting what they describe as an alarming rise in theft incidents and worsening traffic chaos within the wholesale trading hub. The decision was taken during a joint meeting of merchant representatives, who expressed frustration over repeated complaints to authorities that they claim have yielded little tangible improvement.

The APMC Market Yard is one of the largest wholesale agricultural and grocery trade centers in the region, handling massive daily volumes of fruits, vegetables, grains, and other essential commodities. Merchants say that the surge in thefts—particularly in the grocery wholesale section near the fruit and vegetable market—has caused significant financial losses. Goods reportedly go missing during busy trading hours, and traders allege that existing security arrangements, including guards and routine patrols, have failed to deter offenders.

According to trader representatives, written submissions and verbal complaints have been made multiple times to the market administration, requesting enhanced surveillance systems, stricter access control measures, and increased monitoring of entry and exit points. However, they contend that the absence of concrete corrective action has left them with no choice but to call for a collective shutdown to draw attention to the issue.

In addition to security concerns, traffic congestion inside the Market Yard has emerged as a major operational challenge. Traders report that heavy vehicles are frequently parked indiscriminately during peak hours, blocking internal roads and delaying loading and unloading activities. The lack of structured parking management and enforcement has reportedly created bottlenecks, increasing operational costs and causing delivery delays. Merchants argue that such inefficiencies not only disrupt business but also impact retailers and consumers who depend on timely supply chains.

Market Yard plays a critical role in Pune’s broader agricultural economy, connecting farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and transporters. Any disruption to its functioning can have a cascading effect on supply distribution across the city and nearby districts. Observers note that a one-day bandh could temporarily impact the availability of certain produce in local markets, although traders have clarified that the move is intended as a symbolic protest rather than a prolonged strike.

Industry experts suggest that technological interventions such as integrated CCTV monitoring, digital entry logs, vehicle regulation systems, and designated parking zones could significantly improve security and traffic flow within the premises. Similar reforms in other large wholesale markets have shown positive outcomes in reducing theft and improving logistical efficiency.

Traders have urged authorities to treat the matter with urgency and engage in constructive dialogue before the scheduled bandh. They maintain that their objective is not to disrupt trade but to safeguard business interests and ensure smoother daily operations. As February 25 approaches, attention will be on whether administrative measures are announced to address the twin concerns of security and congestion.

The planned shutdown underscores a broader issue facing rapidly expanding urban trade centers—balancing growth with effective management. For Pune’s APMC Market Yard, the coming days may prove decisive in determining how quickly systemic reforms can be implemented to restore confidence among traders and sustain the market’s vital role in the city’s economy.

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