The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a decisive step towards improving traffic conditions on the Chandni Chowk to Bhugaon road with a proposed ₹15 crore road widening project.
The ambitious initiative aims to alleviate the severe congestion that plagues this critical route, which serves as a key connection between the city and the industrial zone of Pirangut, as well as numerous schools and colleges. Officials have also hinted at the inclusion of a flyover or grade separator in the plan, further enhancing traffic flow.
At present, the stretch from Chandni Chowk to Bhugaon is notorious for its traffic bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours when the road often comes to a standstill. The congestion has become a significant concern for residents and commuters who rely on the road to commute between Pune and the rapidly developing Pirangut area. Local residents, including daily commuters, have long expressed frustration over the road’s narrow lanes and the frequent jams that disrupt their travel schedules.
In response, PMC officials are working on a detailed proposal to widen the road to a broader 60-metre width. The widening is expected to address long-standing traffic issues, although discussions around additional infrastructure, such as the construction of a flyover or a grade separator, are still in early stages. The PMC has already initiated talks with landowners along the route to secure the land necessary for the road expansion.
While the proposal to widen the road is promising, many local residents and commuters argue that the project must go beyond Bhugaon to fully address the region’s traffic woes. Residents have raised concerns about the road conditions just beyond Bhugaon, where congestion continues to be a problem, especially after exiting the recently constructed Chandni Chowk flyover. Although the new flyover has alleviated some traffic bottlenecks, commuters report that as soon as they reach the Bhugaon stretch, traffic slows down again.
Some residents, like Ninad Pore, are advocating for a more comprehensive solution, suggesting that an overhaul of the entire road network in the area is necessary. Pore emphasises that while the flyover has helped, the road conditions that follow it are insufficient to accommodate the growing traffic demands of the area.
Despite the widespread support for the road-widening initiative, there is also some uncertainty about the next steps. While the PMC is focusing on the section within its jurisdiction, Bhugaon falls outside of the municipal limits, complicating the possibility of road widening in that area. PMC officials have stated that while no proposals have been made for the widening of the road beyond Bhugaon, the administration plans to collaborate with the Public Works Department (PWD) and other relevant authorities to address this issue.
The Chandni Chowk to Bhugaon route is crucial not only for daily commuters but also for the larger economic activity in the region, especially given the importance of the Pirangut industrial zone. A swift and effective solution to the congestion problems would have far-reaching benefits for both residents and businesses in the area. However, to fully address the growing transportation needs of Pune’s expanding population, it will be essential for the city to adopt a comprehensive approach to urban infrastructure development.
The PMC’s proposed ₹15 crore investment in widening the road and potentially constructing a flyover or grade separator is a step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen whether this initiative can provide lasting relief or if further measures will be required to cope with Pune’s increasingly complex traffic challenges. With ongoing studies and discussions, it is clear that the city’s approach to addressing congestion will need to balance both short-term solutions and long-term urban planning strategies to keep pace with Pune’s rapid growth.
