Hinjewadi Commuters to Experience Temporary Circular Traffic Flow
Hinjewadi, August 8th, 2023: The decision to continue with the circular traffic flow at Bhumkar Chowk, despite opposition from local businessmen and political leaders, has been solidified. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kaksaheb Dole, issued the final orders on Monday to maintain the temporary circular traffic flow in the area. This decision comes after multiple pleas and complaints were received from citizens regarding traffic woes.
The Hinjawadi IT Park witnesses a significant influx of vehicles entering from Marunji Y Junction, Bhumkar Chowk, and Kala Khadak. Additionally, heavy vehicles maneuver through the Kala Khadak square. The traffic congestion at Bhumkar Chowk creates difficulties for vehicles attempting to traverse the area, leading to substantial traffic jams. In response to these challenges, the police implemented temporary alterations to the traffic flow.
New Traffic Routes:
- The right U-turn at Marunji Y Junction has been blocked. Commuters can reach Lakshmi Chowk via Kasturi Chowk from Vinode Corner to reach their destinations.
- One-way traffic from Marunji Y Junction to Kasturi Chowk
- From Kasturi Chowk to Marunji Y Junction through Vinode Corner
- Vehicles from Pune are directed to Dange Chowk from Bhumkar Chowk, then turn right at Kasturi Chowk after 700 metres and right again at Vinode Chowk.
- One-way traffic from Bhumkar Chowk to Kasturi Chowk and from Kasturi Chowk to Vinode Corner.
- Traffic from Hinjewadi Phase 1 and 2, and Mharunji Phase 3 has been diverted towards Vinode Chowk.
Traffic Challenges: The Hinjawadi IT Park, governed by both the Gram Panchayat and the municipal corporation, grapples with traffic congestion along with other fundamental issues. The convergence of major roads within the municipal corporation boundary with internal roads from Hinjawadi Gram Panchayat perpetuates consistent traffic jams.
The ongoing construction of the third phase of the Metro in Hinjawadi has occupied half of one of the roads leading out of the IT Park. This, coupled with heavy traffic from multiple junctions, has led to traffic jams spanning up to one and a half kilometers.
Farmer’s Dispute: A road leading from Bhumkar Chowk to Kasturi Chowk (towards Hinjewadi) remains blocked due to a dispute over compensation between a farmer and authorities. Efforts to resolve this dispute have been ongoing for the past 10-15 years, with recent indications of a potential solution.
Infrastructure and Administration: The roads from Pune to Bhumkar Chowk and beyond have underpasses with potholes and gutters, exacerbating traffic congestion. Recent heavy rains led to flooding and extended traffic jams up to three to four kilometers. Despite citizens voicing their concerns on social media, the administration’s response has been limited.
In response to these challenges, Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey directed senior officials to find a swift solution. Subsequently, a plan of action involving the municipal corporation, road construction department, and other relevant entities was formulated.
An intelligent smart signal system has been implemented at Vinode Chowk to prevent traffic jams. The system utilizes CCTV cameras to determine the volume of vehicles coming from various directions and adjusts traffic signals accordingly. This implementation has successfully reduced traffic congestion, leading to the decision to make this change permanent.
While the circular traffic flow decision remains in place, citizens hope for an improved traffic scenario in the Hinjewadi area. The combination of infrastructure improvements, administrative coordination, and intelligent traffic management systems aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance commuting experiences for all.
