Commuters on the Katraj-Navale bridge Road are grappling with persistent traffic congestion as construction work progresses at a sluggish pace. The widening of roads and the construction of new underpasses, expected to conclude by June, prompt residents to call for improved traffic management in the interim.
Traffic Challenges Amplify: Residents Voice Frustration Over Congested Underpasses
Travelling through the underpasses on the Katraj-Navale bridge Road has become a challenging ordeal for commuters, particularly during peak hours. The surge in heavy vehicle traffic, especially near Ambegaon, exacerbates congestion issues. Residents express concerns about the lack of restrictions on heavy vehicles, leading to frequent traffic jams on the narrow roads.
Vijay Darade, a long-time resident, shares, “Traffic conditions have worsened in the last two years. Heavy vehicles, particularly using the underpass near Ambegaon, contribute significantly to the congestion. Strangely, the nearby underpass restricts heavy vehicles, but this one faces frequent jams.”
Nilesh Kumbhar highlights the dangers of the slope near Ambegaon, emphasizing the need for strict traffic management during peak hours to prevent accidents caused by congestion and loss of control on the slope.
Coordination Challenges and Timeline Extensions: Lack of Synergy Between Administration and Contractor
Yuvraj Beldare, a former corporator, points out a lack of coordination between the administration and the contractor. He notes ongoing work to widen the Rajamata underpass near Dattanagar and mentions that the proposal for a new underpass near D-mart, set to begin in April 2024, has contributed to the timeline extension until June.
Beldare states, “Once the entire work is completed, commuters will experience smooth travel on the road.”
PMC’s Encroachment Removal Initiative: Aiming to Alleviate Traffic Hurdles
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is planning to address encroachments on either side of the roads that contribute to traffic hurdles. This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow and enhance the overall commuting experience.
Traffic Police Response: Efforts to Ease Congestion Despite Manpower Crunch
Savita Dhamdhere, senior police inspector of the traffic branch at Bharti Vidyapeeth police station, acknowledges the traffic conditions on the road. Despite periodic deployment of officers to ease congestion, manpower constraints pose challenges. Dhamdhere reveals plans to appoint more wardens in congested areas and communicate with the contractor to deploy additional manpower, seeking to improve the situation.
