Pune, once celebrated as a tranquil haven, is grappling with a burgeoning issue that threatens to overshadow its development trajectory – relentless traffic congestion. Formerly renowned as a pensioners’ paradise, the city now finds itself at the forefront of various surveys, earning the unenviable title of the most congested city. This dubious distinction is primarily attributed to the ongoing transition phase, marked by extensive renovation projects aimed at modernising the city’s infrastructure.
The landscape bears witness to the aftermath of redevelopment efforts targeting outdated bridges, underpasses, and critical transit routes. However, the city’s progress is hampered by delays in land acquisition processes, exacerbated by disputes involving the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), private landowners, Railways, and defence authorities. According to the ‘TomTom Transport Index 2023,’ Pune stands seventh among the ten worst cities for traffic, with an alarming average commute time of 28 minutes for a mere 10 km within the city limits.
While civic authorities advocate increased public transport usage, citing ongoing developments and upcoming service enhancements, citizens and activists remain sceptical. Complaints persist regarding the perceived stagnation in public transport improvements and inadequate connectivity, leading to a surge in private vehicle usage. With over 6 lakh vehicles added to Pune’s roads, the situation is reaching critical levels, intensifying the existing traffic quagmire. Ongoing infrastructure projects, coupled with halted work, narrow roads, and frequent gridlocks, compound the city’s traffic woes. Pune’s traffic division faces a formidable task managing snarls and jams at key junctions, further complicated by the city’s expanding urban footprint.
A civic activist emphasised the urgency of prioritising solutions for Pune’s traffic challenges amidst its modernisation drive. Collaborative efforts between public and private stakeholders, strategic planning, and robust transportation infrastructure investments emerge as pivotal elements in mitigating the congestion plaguing the city’s roads. As Pune navigates its development journey, addressing traffic concerns becomes imperative for sustainable growth and the well-being of its residents.
