In a frustrating turn of events, the Dehu Road Bypass on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway has succumbed to a staggering 17-kilometer traffic jam, extending from the New Katraj Tunnel to Shivane. The chaos ensues as a multitude of vehicles pack the roadway, causing a headache for commuters and authorities alike.
The primary culprit behind this vehicular nightmare is the post-Diwali mass migration. Individuals who had temporarily left Pune for their hometowns during the festive season are now returning, swelling the roads with their vehicles. This migration is not limited to Pune residents alone; it includes a significant influx of people returning to Pune for work or educational purposes.
With the vacation period for many private institutions, schools, and colleges in Pune commencing on November 8, 2023, and concluding on November 20, 2023, the Dehu Road Bypass has become the epicenter of the returning crowd. As the city welcomes back its residents, the highways bear the brunt of the resulting traffic chaos.
The situation is further compounded by travelers heading to Mumbai, who are also utilizing the same route. From Kolhapur to the Pune side of the road, the highway is witnessing an influx of vehicles, exacerbating the already heavy traffic. Many commuters, having visited their hometowns, took advantage of the Diwali break to explore popular tourist destinations like Konkan, Mahabaleshwar, Pachgani, etc., further contributing to the congestion.
Given this predicament, authorities are urging travelers to plan their journeys meticulously and brace themselves for potential delays. As holidaymakers and regular commuters converge on the same route, strategic planning becomes imperative to navigate through the gridlock and reach their destinations efficiently.
