Pune Traffic Woes Footpaths Blocked by Bikes
In a city that’s rapidly expanding, urban infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the ever-increasing population. Mundhwa Bridge, which spans the Mula-Mutha River and connects key areas like Kharadi, Magarpatta, Amanora, and Keshavnagar, is a prime example of these growing pains. The bridge was initially designed with footpaths for pedestrians, offering a safe passage across the river and its surroundings. However, these walkways have become increasingly unusable as two-wheeler riders, in an attempt to bypass heavy traffic, have taken over the footpaths, leaving pedestrians with little to no space to walk safely.
The issue comes amid ongoing urbanisation in the region, which has seen a surge in residential complexes, with prominent developers like Godrej selling thousands of flats in the vicinity. These developments have, unfortunately, led to an influx of vehicles, which, coupled with inadequate infrastructure, has left roads congested and pedestrians stranded. In 2023, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) widened one side of the road and constructed footpaths after removing encroachments, but the other side of the bridge remains narrow. This imbalance forces commuters to jostle for space, particularly during peak hours, further exacerbating the issue and encouraging two-wheeler riders to use the footpaths as a shortcut.
Chaitanya Sharma, a Keshavnagar resident, shared his frustrations with the situation, highlighting the dangers of existing alternatives. He pointed out that other routes, such as a single-lane road along the river, are prone to flooding during the monsoons, while the nearby railway line remains a risky route for commuters. “The road widening was done only for those travelling from Kharadi to Magarpatta, leaving the other side congested, which forces two-wheelers onto the footpaths,” Sharma said. Without a comprehensive infrastructure development plan, he fears that ongoing real estate projects will only exacerbate the issue.
While traffic authorities are aware of the situation, they assert that infrastructure development lies with the PMC. According to Amol Zende, DCP of the Pune Traffic Branch, “In 2024 alone, we issued 1.77 lakh challans to defaulters riding on the wrong side of the road.” Although penalties have been imposed, the real solution lies in expanding and improving the area’s infrastructure. Subhash Appasaheb Nikam, ACP of the traffic division in Mundhwa, reinforced this, urging the PMC to address the infrastructural gaps while the traffic police continue to enforce the rules.
This issue raises important questions about urban planning, sustainability, and public safety. The lack of proper pedestrian facilities and poorly designed roadways not only compromise safety but also harm the environment. The reliance on two-wheelers as a shortcut contributes to increased air pollution and carbon emissions, further diminishing the quality of life for the city’s residents. Sustainable urban growth requires a balanced approach to infrastructure development, where pedestrian spaces are as prioritized as vehicular access. Implementing better traffic management solutions, such as road widening and the installation of traffic lights, and promoting greener modes of transport, like walking or cycling, could significantly alleviate congestion, improve public safety, and reduce environmental impact.
