Traffic Woes and Accidents Drive Pune Residents to Seek Safer Alternatives
The rapid urbanisation of areas like Wagholi and Narhe on the outskirts of Pune has given rise to a myriad of issues, chief among them being the surge in traffic congestion and the alarming number of road accidents. The once serene residential locales are now teeming with daily commuters and heavy vehicles, contributing to long-standing traffic jams and posing grave risks to residents’ safety. Over the past few years, the escalating number of accidents on key stretches, particularly the Pune-Ahmednagar Road, has prompted several residents to reconsider their living choices and seek out safer, less congested areas within the city.
Kushal Das, a working professional living in Wagholi, expressed his concerns: “We bought a 2-BHK flat here seven years ago, but the daily commute has become unbearable. Accidents occur almost every week on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road, and travelling feels like a constant risk. We’re now planning to sell our flat and relocate to Vimannagar or Wadgaonsheri, closer to the city centre.” With more than 200 residential societies and a growing number of educational institutions, Wagholi has experienced an unprecedented population boom. This surge has exacerbated traffic on the state highway, which serves as a vital route connecting Pune with major cities like Nagpur and Amravati. The highway, once largely used by local commuters, has now become a busy corridor for heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses, leading to frequent traffic jams and accidents.
Real estate developers, too, are feeling the impact. Santosh Jadhav, a developer in the Wagholi area, noted, “In the past 12 years, we’ve built and sold around 60 flats in Wagholi. However, large developers constructing societies with hundreds of flats have caused a sudden influx of people, intensifying traffic woes and leading to an increase in accidents.” The Yerawada police reported a staggering 77 fatalities on the Pune-Ahmednagar Road between January and December 2024. Reckless driving, particularly by truck drivers, continues to be a significant concern, despite the imposition of restrictions during peak hours. Enforcement of these restrictions, however, remains lax, and tragic accidents continue to occur. A recent fatal crash on December 23, 2024, which claimed three lives and left nine others injured, highlights the growing urgency for safer roads in these fast-developing areas.
In addition to Wagholi, Narhe has also been grappling with similar issues. As the neighbourhood’s housing sector booms, the stretch near Navale Bridge Chowk has become notorious for frequent accidents. Hemant Kulkarni, an IT professional residing in Narhe, shared his frustrations: “We bought a one-BHK flat here 10 years ago, but the post-pandemic situation has made it unbearable. Accidents and traffic jams around Bhumkar Bridge Chowk have made life extremely stressful. We’re looking to sell and move to a quieter part of Pune, but property prices have dropped.” To address the increasing number of accidents, the Pune traffic police recently imposed time-bound restrictions on heavy vehicle movement in Narhe. These measures are a step in the right direction, but residents believe that more stringent enforcement and infrastructure upgrades are necessary.
The growing dissatisfaction among residents of Wagholi and Narhe is also reflective of broader civic issues faced by rapidly urbanising areas. The development of infrastructure, particularly roads and traffic management systems, has failed to keep pace with the rising population. As more people are drawn to these locations for affordable housing, the resulting strain on existing infrastructure has become evident. While real estate development continues unabated, urban planning remains reactive rather than proactive, with inadequate provisions for public safety and transport management.
From a sustainability perspective, the urbanisation of Wagholi and Narhe exemplifies the challenges faced by cities when growth outpaces infrastructure development. The ongoing traffic congestion and frequent accidents reflect a deeper issue of urban planning, where the focus has been on housing and commercial development rather than on sustainable transportation solutions. Moving forward, urban planners must consider integrating efficient public transport systems, safer roads, and better traffic enforcement to ensure that these rapidly growing areas can thrive without compromising public safety. Without a balanced approach, these areas may continue to face growing challenges that will affect not only their residents but also the city’s long-term sustainability.
