Pune Nagar Road BRT corridor faces removal demand amid rising accidents
Pune’s controversial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor on Nagar Road has become a flashpoint for growing public discontent, with demands intensifying for its removal due to severe traffic congestion and recurring accidents. Former MLA has been vocal about the issue, highlighting its impact on commuters in Chandannagar, Kharadi, and Vadgaon Sheri. The matter has been repeatedly raised in the state legislature, urging the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take corrective measures.
While a segment of the BRT corridor between Yerawada and Somnath Nagar Chowk was dismantled following the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the remaining stretch from Somnath Nagar Chowk to Kharadi continues to pose challenges. The corridor has become a hazard, with multiple reports of vehicles mistakenly entering the BRT lanes, causing massive disruptions. The latest incident on Monday night saw a tanker enter the restricted lane, leading to a severe traffic jam that left commuters stranded for hours. Officegoers faced significant delays the following morning, reigniting public outrage and mounting pressure on authorities.
The civic issue extends beyond mere traffic congestion—it raises serious concerns about road safety and sustainable urban mobility. According to traffic department data, accident rates have surged along this corridor since the partial BRT implementation, with several fatal mishaps reported over the past year. Critics argue that the BRT was poorly planned, failing to integrate seamlessly into Pune’s rapidly evolving urban infrastructure. With thousands of vehicles using Nagar Road daily, the narrow carriageways, compounded by the BRT’s restricted lanes, exacerbate gridlock rather than easing movement. In contrast, cities like Ahmedabad and Indore have successfully implemented BRT systems with adequate planning and integration, highlighting Pune’s infrastructural shortcomings.
From a sustainability perspective, well-executed public transport initiatives like BRT can significantly reduce carbon footprints by encouraging mass transit. However, the flawed execution in Pune has led to more congestion, thereby increasing vehicular emissions instead of curbing them. Experts suggest that a reassessment of the corridor with improved lane design, intelligent traffic management, and alternative transport solutions could help retain the benefits of BRT without creating bottlenecks. Meanwhile, Sunil Tingre has issued a stern warning, demanding immediate action from PMC and the traffic police, failing which large-scale public demonstrations could follow. The civic authorities now face the challenge of balancing sustainable transport goals with immediate urban mobility concerns.
