Pune’s Airport Road traffic division and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are initiating a comprehensive drive to decongest key arterial routes leading to the airport. Persistent traffic gridlock, exacerbated by infrastructure bottlenecks, roadside encroachments, and indiscriminate parking, has led to missed flights and public outcry. This joint effort aims to implement both immediate and long-term solutions, improving critical connectivity for air travelers and city residents alike.
Officials indicated that traffic jams, which worsen significantly during peak hours, stem from a combination of infrastructure bottlenecks, pervasive roadside encroachments, and indiscriminate parking by both cabs and private vehicles. A senior police inspector from the Airport Road traffic division highlighted how roadside plant nurseries, for instance, have encroached upon the carriageway, severely choking vehicle movement. The problem is further compounded by new traffic-generating points, including residential complexes, a major educational institute, and the recently opened Aero Mall along the New Airport Road. In response, the police department recently formally requested the PMC to urgently widen the most severely affected Vishrantwadi-Airport Road stretch. While a traffic circle at a key junction has already been removed to provide immediate relief, long-term solutions require stricter enforcement and coordinated infrastructure upgrades.
A senior engineer from PMC’s road department confirmed that surveys have identified over a dozen plant nurseries and temporary structures encroaching on road space along the Vishrantwadi-Airport Road, with a demolition drive scheduled in the coming weeks. Further plans include widening this road by three to four meters wherever feasible to alleviate the bottleneck. For the New Airport Road, authorities are collaborating to establish designated taxi bays and no-parking zones. The junction near Aero Mall is also under review for geometric redesign to improve traffic dispersal, recognizing these as high-priority projects due to their direct impact on air travelers. Beyond these immediate interventions, broader infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing flyover and grade separator construction at Vishrantwadi Junction and wider plans to connect various city points to the airport, aim to provide comprehensive, sustainable solutions to Pune’s growing traffic challenges.
The concerted efforts to streamline traffic and remove encroachments reflect a commitment to building more efficient and equitable urban infrastructure. By tackling congestion, authorities aim to reduce commuting stress and vehicle emissions, fostering a more sustainable urban environment. These measures are crucial for supporting Pune’s growth while ensuring accessible and smooth mobility for all citizens.
