In Pune, where navigating through traffic has become a daily battle, the recent revelation of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) failure to allocate funds for traffic signal repair and maintenance in its 2024-2025 budget has sparked outrage among commuters. This lack of budgetary provision has left Punekars stranded at signal intersections, exacerbating an already challenging commute, particularly during the unforgiving monsoon season.
The Strain on Signal Infrastructure
Despite the PMC’s previous efforts to allocate resources and deploy dedicated teams for signal maintenance, this year’s budgetary constraints have brought this crucial upkeep process to a halt. As a result, the city’s signal infrastructure is under significant strain, with poles collapsing due to inclement weather and erratic lighting further disrupting traffic flow. Even though Pune boasts the status of a smart city, the failure to implement effective measures to alleviate congestion highlights a glaring gap in infrastructure management.
Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway?
With approximately 250 signals spread across the city, the responsibility for maintenance falls on both the PMC and Traffic Police. While half of these signals are under the purview of the Pune Smart City initiative, the remaining signals rely solely on PMC maintenance. Previously, an annual budget of Rs. 2 to 2.5 crore covered signal maintenance expenses, including repairs and manpower. However, the omission of this crucial allocation in the current budget underscores a grave oversight by the PMC, necessitating immediate action to rectify the situation.
ATMS: A Questionable Solution
In addition to traditional signal maintenance, the implementation of the Adaptive Traffic Management System (ATMS) was expected to revolutionize traffic management in Pune. However, despite its ambitious goals and hefty investment of Rs. 125 crore, doubts linger regarding its effectiveness. While officials maintain that the system is performing as expected, commuters continue to grapple with persistent traffic congestion, raising concerns about the project’s efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
A Glimmer of Hope
Amidst the chaos, the electricity department has stepped in to address the void left by the PMC’s negligence. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the PMC to rectify its budgetary shortcomings and prioritize the well-being of Pune’s residents by ensuring the smooth functioning of traffic signals. With mounting criticism from citizens and experts alike, there is an urgent call for swift intervention to avert further chaos on the city’s streets.
Voices from the Commuters
The frustration among commuters is palpable, with many expressing concerns about the frequent malfunctioning of traffic signals and the subsequent risks to public safety. Fatima Shaikh, a resident of Kondhwa, highlights the time-consuming nature of relying on traffic police during signal outages, while Aarohi Kulkarni from Karvenagar condemns the perceived wastage of funds on ineffective signal systems. Even newcomers like Purva Jain from Baner are quick to notice the inadequacies in Pune’s traffic management system, emphasizing the urgent need for improvement.
