The city of Pimpri-Chinchwad presents a glaring example of the repercussions when a piecemeal approach is taken to address a significant issue. This scenario comes to life in the bustling Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, situated on the old Pune-Mumbai Road as one enters the city.
The genesis of this predicament can be traced back to the inception of a grade separator project aimed at providing unhindered movement for vehicles entering from Mumbai. The implementation of this project stretched over a period of more than five years, during which time the public endured massive traffic snarls at the intersections of local roads and the highway. Soon after, the spotlight turned to the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS).
Upon its completion, including the setup of bus stops and related infrastructure, it became apparent that the service roads were ill-equipped to accommodate the volume of vehicles traversing them. Consequently, the width of footpaths was reduced to make space. However, given that these footpaths were often occupied by parked two-wheelers and vendors, pedestrians were left with no alternative but to navigate the main thoroughfare. This unintended consequence immediately led to two problems: traffic congestion and a heightened risk for pedestrians as they traversed the busy roadways on foot.
Amidst these initial hurdles, the BRTS managed to operate relatively smoothly, a rarity for anyone familiar with the challenges faced by functional BRTS corridors. However, a new wave of upheaval ensued when plans were introduced for a three-tier traffic dispersal section at Bhakti-Shakti Chowk. This project encompassed a grade separator, a flyover, and the surface road. This marked yet another phase of excavation, service line relocations, and construction activities.
Concurrently, work was initiated on a road overbridge spanning the railway tracks at Ravet. The aim was to divert the traffic bound for Nashik away from the express highway and Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, ultimately connecting the road overbridge with BRTS lanes.
Presently, a paradoxical situation has arisen. The connecting road, complete with speed breakers, meticulously painted dividers, and traffic signals, lies fully prepared, but its utility remains on hold. The road overbridge across the railway lines, along with its approach roads, remains unfinished, rendering the entire stretch unutilized, save for the traffic within the Pradhikaran area.
But the narrative doesn’t halt here. With the Pimpri-Swargate Metro slated to be extended up to Bhakti-Shakti Chowk, the story might witness yet another layer of complexity. As the ongoing construction activity inches towards completion, the impending installation of Metro pillars and the development of its terminus are looming on the horizon.
This saga serves as an apt comparison against the streamlined infrastructure development witnessed in other countries. For instance, in Geneva, a new tramline was established throughout the city, including its central railway station, within a span of just three years. Similarly, an underground railway station emerged in a suburban area of the same city between 2017 and 2019, with surface traffic redirection for a mere six-month interval. These instances showcase the stark contrast in project execution efficiency and planning between different regions.
