Pune’s Nagar Road has become the centre of a growing dispute as residents of Kalyaninagar, Kharadi, and surrounding areas face significant challenges following recent traffic adjustments.
The changes, which include the closure of right diversions at key junctions between Gunjan Chowk and Kharadi bypass, were initially introduced to streamline traffic flow. However, they have caused widespread confusion, particularly for pedestrians who are struggling to navigate these altered routes safely. The issue reached a boiling point when a group of local residents met with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to voice their concerns over the lack of pedestrian safety. The new traffic arrangements, which aimed to improve vehicular movement by removing signals at junctions, inadvertently left pedestrians vulnerable as they tried to cross busy intersections with speeding vehicles.
During the meeting, the traffic department agreed to implement several corrective measures to address the concerns raised. These included the introduction of raised pedestrian paths at strategic locations, increased duration of the red signal to allow more time for pedestrians to cross, and the deployment of traffic officers or wardens at key junctions to monitor traffic flow during peak hours. Additionally, the department promised to undertake levelling and repair work on the stretch between Shree Hospital and the U-turn at Aga Khan Palace to improve road conditions.
The changes were intended to expedite travel times, but the sudden implementation caught many residents off guard. Anand Saravde, a resident of Kalyaninagar, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with the public prior to the changes. “The administration should have consulted the residents before making these decisions. The blocked junctions created chaos initially, and people were not prepared for these disruptions,” he said. Although the traffic department’s changes did reduce travel time, many felt that pedestrian safety was compromised in the process. Residents also demanded the reopening of the right turn at Shastrinagar Chowk, which had been closed as part of the traffic flow changes. However, officials stood firm on their decision, citing the need to ease congestion along Nagar Road. The department explained that all right turns from Shastrinagar Chowk to Kharadi had been blocked to reduce traffic bottlenecks.
The Kalyaninagar Residents Association, led by its chairperson, also advocated for the deployment of traffic officers during peak hours to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians. “We believe that the safety of residents, particularly pedestrians, should be a top priority,” said the chairperson. The association hopes that these changes will be implemented soon, with long-term improvements in mind. Despite assurances from the traffic department, some residents, such as Daljeet Raizada, remain unconvinced. “While the officers listened to our concerns, they were not entirely persuaded,” Raizada said. “We have given them a month to reassess the situation, and if we are still unsatisfied, we will intensify our efforts to push for the reopening of the junction.”
In the midst of these discussions, residents like Siddharth Bhowmik also raised concerns over the lack of proper infrastructure for pedestrians, urging the authorities to install raised pedestrian paths with rumble strips at critical locations such as Shastrinagar Chowk.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the changes will adequately address the safety concerns of pedestrians while maintaining the intended improvements in traffic flow. With the traffic department promising to reassess the situation, residents are hopeful that their concerns will be taken into account, ensuring that the final solution balances both safety and efficiency. Pune’s Nagar Road issue highlights the broader challenge of urban planning, where the need for efficient traffic management must coexist with the imperative of pedestrian safety. As the city continues to grow, such debates will shape its development trajectory, impacting the daily lives of its residents.
Kalyaninagar Faces Safety Concerns with Traffic Adjustments
