Pune: Tourist entry to Sinhagad Fort will be regulated to manage crowds, traffic congestion and safety concerns, particularly during the monsoon, weekends and govt holidays, the forest department said.The fort attracts large numbers of visitors from Pune and neighbouring areas as well as other parts of the state, leading to heavy traffic and delays on busy days. The move follows some recent untoward incidents in the fort’s vicinity, after which cases were registered under relevant laws.The department said security personnel would be increased at points that regularly witness crowding. Work is also underway to install CCTV cameras and develop an AI-based digital monitoring system to track tourist and vehicle movement.Until a permanent system is introduced, entry will be restricted once the fort reaches its prescribed safe capacity. Visitors arriving after that point will have to wait until space becomes available. The department said a mobile application is also being developed to provide information on crowd levels, parking and entry before visitors begin their journey.Tourists have been urged to follow safety instructions, avoid littering or damaging heritage structures, and stay away from dangerous areas. During the monsoon, visitors have also been cautioned about slippery roads, landslides, mud and the risk of falls.
