Pune outlines 30 year roadmap to improve mobility infrastructure
Pune is set for a sweeping overhaul of its urban transport network, with the state government unveiling a 30-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan designed to address crippling traffic congestion and sluggish travel speeds. Officials say the move aims to double current average speeds and significantly expand sustainable public transport.
Following a high-level review of the plan, it was revealed that Pune’s average travel speed stands at just 19 kmph, falling to as low as 12 kmph during peak hour, far below the 30 kmph benchmark expected in major metropolitan cities. The proposed interventions aim to lift the city out of this gridlock through targeted infrastructure upgrades, technology integration, and expanded transit options.
The plan has identified 35 major traffic choke points for priority action. Key measures include constructing a ring road, expanding the road network, and introducing an underground tunnel system to decongest critical stretches. Authorities note that only 6 per cent of land in Pune’s core is currently allocated for roads, creating narrow corridors and poor traffic dispersal. Costed at ₹6,500 crore for the first phase alone, the project’s total investment over three decades is projected to touch ₹1.2 lakh crore. The plan also aligns with Pune’s sustainable transport goals, with a target to increase public transport share from its current level to 30 per cent in the medium term and 50 per cent in the long term. A core aim is to ensure every resident has access to public transport within 500 metres of their location.
Transport experts stress that boosting public transport is crucial not just for decongestion but also for reducing carbon emissions and meeting climate targets. The plan calls for integration of Metro, bus, and non-motorised transport networks, along with intelligent traffic management systems for real-time monitoring and control. The proposal has already received input from the city’s municipal corporation and police department, with both agencies presenting short-term traffic improvement measures alongside the long-term vision. These include better junction management, stricter parking enforcement, and lane discipline drives to provide immediate relief to commuters.
Officials have indicated that public consultation will be part of the process, with phased implementation to minimise disruption. While funding and execution will be challenging, city planners say the plan’s transformative potential lies in its integrated approach, balancing road expansion with sustainable mobility solutions. If executed as envisioned, Pune could see faster commutes, reduced emissions, and a more equitable transport system over the next three decades, a shift that could redefine the city’s mobility landscape for future generations.
