The convergence of heavy rainfall, ongoing flyover construction, and burgeoning traffic led to a chaotic scene on Ganeshkhind Road, leaving commuters stranded and roads congested for hours.
Rainfall Amplifies Traffic Woes
The morning deluge, coupled with existing road imperfections, compounded the commuting woes of Pune’s denizens. Potholes surfaced, drainage covers were exposed, and driving became perilous, necessitating caution from motorists navigating the treacherous conditions.
Construction Complications
The ambitious infrastructure projects dotting Ganeshkhind Road, including the multi-storied flyover and metro undertaking, added layers of complexity to the traffic gridlock. Road widening initiatives further narrowed thoroughfares, exacerbating congestion woes for those plying the route.
Diversions and Delays
As traffic snarled, authorities rerouted vehicles from Aundh and Baner through alternative routes, funneling them via VAMNICOM, Range Hills, and back to Agriculture College. However, these diversions merely shifted the bottleneck, stretching commuting times and testing the patience of drivers.
Rise of Four-Wheelers
In response to the inclement weather, a surge in four-wheeler usage was noted, compounding congestion on already overwhelmed roads. The confluence of increased vehicular traffic and compromised road conditions intensified the commuting ordeal for motorists.
Call for Better Planning
Citizens, exasperated by the ordeal, voiced concerns over the timing of development projects, urging authorities to exercise prudence, particularly during the monsoon season. With vehicular queues stretching kilometers and delays plaguing University Road, the need for improved coordination and foresight during adverse conditions becomes glaringly apparent.
Authorities Respond
Acknowledging the challenges, Chaturshringi Traffic Branch Police Inspector Shafique Pathan shed light on ongoing portal beam work near Savitribai Phule Pune University, attributing part of the congestion to the necessary construction activities. However, he reassured that traffic gradually eased as the day progressed.
