The persistent urban challenges in the rapidly expanding Baner-Balewadi corridor, a high-level meeting was convened to address deep-seated issues ranging from chronic traffic congestion and pervasive encroachments to incomplete road networks and inadequate public amenities. Chaired by Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, the gathering brought together senior officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Police, NHAI, and PMRDA, signalling a concerted effort to enhance the liveability quotient and sustainable growth of this vital urban belt.
The concerns emanating from Baner-Balewadi, a fast-growing residential and commercial hub, have recently escalated, prompting significant attention from the state’s leadership. These grievances, often revolving around critical infrastructure deficits, public utility shortcomings, and the overall quality of urban services, directly impact the daily lives and productivity of thousands of citizens. The gravity of the situation was underscored by Minister Patil, who took serious note of these public complaints, issuing unequivocal directives for all participating departments to implement immediate and coordinated interventions before the onset of the upcoming festive season.
Citizens articulated a spectrum of concerns during the meeting, particularly focusing on traffic mismanagement and infrastructure deficiencies at critical junctions such as Jupiter Chowk, Ganpati Mandir Chowk, and Dussehra Chowk. Specific issues highlighted included the lack of coherent signal coordination, insufficient deployment of traffic wardens, rampant illegal encroachments stifling public spaces, stalled road construction projects, and persistent waterlogging, which collectively degrade the urban environment and hinder seamless mobility. Addressing these core problems is fundamental to fostering a more eco-friendly and pedestrian-friendly urban landscape.
Residents further underscored specific grievances that impact daily urban sustainability and public well-being. These encompassed persistent water accumulation near Nanavare Bridge, widespread encroachments on footpaths hindering pedestrian mobility and safety, the urgent need for well-planned bus stops to promote sustainable public transport usage, and the comprehensive repair of damaged roads and footpaths. Additionally, overgrown trees posing public hazards and unresolved drainage issues beneath metro bridges were brought to the fore. In response, administrative officials pledged swift, inter-departmental action, acknowledging the collective responsibility in fostering an equitable and accessible urban environment for all.
A long-standing bottleneck, the service road underpass near Sadanand Residency Hotel, received particular attention. NHAI officials were explicitly directed to commence work immediately, with Minister Patil emphasising that this critical infrastructure project must be completed “on a war footing.” The meeting witnessed robust participation from representatives of the Baner-Balewadi Federation, residents from surrounding areas, and local political leaders. This broad stakeholder engagement reinforces the commitment to collaborative metropolitan governance and the imperative for timely execution of civic works, crucial for Pune’s journey towards becoming a truly smart, resilient, and inclusive city.
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