Punes Aundh Pattern Set to Rehaul Traffic Management with New Strategic Plan
Pune’s burgeoning Aundh locality is poised for a transformative intervention in its chronic traffic congestion issues, with police authorities unveiling a strategic blueprint to streamline vehicular flow. This pioneering initiative, termed the “Aundh Pattern,” is a targeted effort to address critical choke points, particularly those exacerbated by the proliferation of commercial establishments. If this pilot project yields positive results, the comprehensive approach is slated for replication across other traffic-prone areas of Pune, promising a significant improvement in urban mobility and contributing to a more sustainable and accessible city.
A senior police official, speaking at a recent consultative meeting involving Aundh residents, police personnel, and officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), outlined the planned measures. Key among these interventions is a review of the exit and entry points of prominent commercial hubs, including major shopping malls. The feasibility of redirecting exit gates of establishments like Westend and Reliance malls is being actively explored to alleviate pressure on main arterial roads such as Mahadji Shinde Road, New DP Road, and Nagras Road. Furthermore, the plan includes the removal of persistent encroachments at key junctions and the installation of a new traffic signal at Medipoint Hospital Chowk, all designed to smoothen vehicular movement and enhance pedestrian safety.
The engagement highlighted long-standing frustrations among Aundh residents regarding the daily gridlock. Concerns were raised about the impact of mall entry and exit gates on Mahadji Shinde Road, which reportedly leads to complete paralysis, particularly on weekends, impeding even emergency vehicle access. The issue of auto-rickshaws and taxis contributing to narrowed carriageways by meandering for customers was also brought to the fore. Residents additionally voiced strong complaints about widespread encroachment and irregular parking on the road connecting Ambedkar Chowk and Medipoint Chowk, leading to further congestion. The lack of traffic signals at multiple T-junctions, with the exception of Parihar Chowk, was cited as a major navigational challenge during peak hours.
Beyond immediate interventions, the senior police official confirmed that similar in-depth studies would be conducted around all major commercial establishments contributing to traffic issues city-wide. A significant expectation articulated by the authorities is that such establishments will voluntarily provide trained traffic wardens to manage vehicle flow in their immediate vicinity. This measure aims to foster a shared responsibility for urban decongestion, where entities that benefit from city infrastructure also contribute to its smooth functioning. The police have expressed willingness to provide the necessary training and official badges to these wardens, ensuring a coordinated approach to traffic management.
The discussions also touched upon the complexities of school vehicle parking and its contribution to bottlenecks. While acknowledging the paramount importance of student safety, the police indicated that wherever feasible, schools with adequate space would be requested to facilitate internal parking for buses. Similarly, wedding halls and other venues that frequently generate significant traffic disruptions during their operations are also expected to contribute to traffic management efforts by providing wardens. This proactive approach seeks to engage all stakeholders in fostering a collective solution to Pune’s escalating traffic challenges, paving the way for a more organised, sustainable, and equitably accessible urban environment for all.
