Pune’s Nagar Road, a critical artery connecting the city to the Lohegaon airport, has long been plagued by severe traffic congestion.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has now devised a strategic plan to streamline traffic movement and ensure seamless connectivity, particularly towards the airport.In an effort to address the growing traffic woes, the PMC has decided to appoint a consultant firm to conduct a thorough study of the current traffic patterns along Nagar Road. The goal is not only to resolve existing bottlenecks but also to anticipate future challenges as the area’s infrastructure expands. This initiative comes as part of the larger vision to improve Pune’s urban mobility and to accommodate the projected rise in traffic volumes over the next decade.
According to PMC officials, the consultant will focus on three major areas: an airport area integration plan, traffic simulation, and a mobility enhancement plan for Nagar Road. The study will aim to provide a clear roadmap on how to maintain a smooth flow of traffic, particularly around key intersections and areas most affected by heavy vehicular movement. The project is expected to identify the best possible solutions to integrate traffic flow while minimizing disruptions caused by ongoing infrastructure work. As part of the plan, some stretches of the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway might undergo re-routing to manage traffic more efficiently. Introduction of one-way traffic systems, improvements to key junctions, and effective traffic management during the construction phases of the infrastructure projects will also be part of the recommendations. These changes are designed to accommodate not just current traffic patterns but also to foresee the demands that will arise over the next five to ten years.
Pune’s Nagar Road has long been a congested route due to the continuous development of various infrastructure projects, such as the recently started flyover at Shastrinagar Chowk and the state government’s decision to extend the six-lane elevated Shikrapur-Wagholi road all the way up to Vimannagar Chowk. Additionally, the long-anticipated metro line to Wagholi is set to begin construction soon, adding to the complexity of managing traffic in the region. Experts from the PMC’s special projects department suggest that a holistic approach to managing Nagar Road’s traffic is necessary. They emphasise the need for integrated planning of all upcoming infrastructure projects to avoid creating additional confusion during their execution. The department plans to employ advanced traffic simulation software to study how the existing and proposed projects will interact, ensuring that the city can handle future traffic demands effectively.
While the PMC’s initiative is welcomed by many, residents living along Nagar Road remain frustrated by the current state of affairs. Frequent changes to traffic patterns, the closure of crossings, and the constant rerouting of vehicles have caused confusion and delays for commuters. One resident pointed out that the newly introduced changes at Vimannagar Chowk, for example, had not brought the expected relief, adding to the overall frustration of those who use the road daily.
Commuters often express concerns about the inconsistent execution of the infrastructure projects. As one resident explained, the simultaneous construction of multiple projects risks exacerbating the existing chaos rather than alleviating it. Many are calling for a more cohesive and well-timed approach to avoid overlapping construction phases that could lead to further traffic bottlenecks. PMC’s efforts to implement a long-term solution reflect the growing concern over traffic congestion in Pune, especially in the eastern parts of the city. With more than 30 lakh passengers using Lohegaon airport annually, the need for a smoother and more predictable commute to the airport is more critical than ever. Given the current delays and disruptions, the city’s residents are hopeful that the traffic overhaul will ultimately lead to improved travel times and reduced stress for daily commuters.
As Pune continues to grow rapidly, the municipality’s proactive approach to planning and managing urban mobility stands as an essential step towards creating a more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready city. The integration of Nagar Road’s infrastructure projects into a comprehensive traffic management plan will not only improve access to the airport but will also contribute to the overall fluidity of the city’s transportation system. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how effectively the PMC will integrate these various projects and how soon the positive effects of these changes will be felt. For the thousands of daily commuters, a well-designed traffic solution could provide much-needed relief and significantly reduce travel time.
However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the complex web of infrastructure development is implemented without further disrupting the lives of those who rely on these critical roads every day.
Pune Civic Body Plans Overhaul of Nagar Road Traffic for Airport Access
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