Pune’s already strained roads faced massive disruption on Thursday as unplanned closures near University Chowk during metro construction trials caused kilometre-long traffic snarls. Commuters travelling between Baner and Shivajinagar bore the brunt, with congestion worsening around Abhimanshree Society Chowk and Abil House. Frustrated residents reported delays stretching well over an hour for short commutes, highlighting the lack of coordination between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and traffic authorities. A Baner resident lamented, “I left for Prabhat Road at 9:15 am but was stuck on Baner Road till Cosmos Bank. The narrowing roads from metro work made it unbearable.”
Authorities described the closures as a “trial run” to prepare for girder installation near University Chowk and the RBI office. However, commuters criticised the absence of advance warnings, leaving them unprepared. Another commuter shared, “It took me an hour to cover two kilometres because of sudden road closures. Advance notice could have helped us plan alternate routes.” Traffic adjustments planned for Shivajinagar include major diversions from Vidyapeeth Chowk to Ganeshkhind Road, along with night closures.
From a civic perspective, the uncoordinated road management reflects deeper urban planning gaps in Pune. The trial closures have underscored the urgent need for better traffic forecasts and public communication strategies, especially in densely populated zones. Key arterial roads like Ganeshkhind Road are vital for daily commuters and cannot afford such chaotic disruptions without mitigating measures.
On the sustainability front, metro projects aim to reduce long-term road congestion and environmental impact. However, short-term disruptions highlight the need for smarter urban management that balances development with commuter welfare. Authorities must prioritise effective communication and sustainable planning practices to ensure smoother transitions, minimising the human cost of infrastructure development.
