Pune’s Ganeshkhind Road have been grappling with a slew of challenges, raising concerns about road safety and traffic management. The move, aimed at easing congestion, has instead introduced a new set of complications, with motorists citing issues ranging from unclear signage and wrong-way driving to deteriorating road conditions.
The most significant issue has been the confusion surrounding the movement of vehicles, especially around the Agriculture College Chowk area. Commuters report that the lack of clear traffic signs has resulted in frequent wrong-way driving, particularly near Rahul Theatre. The road leading from Agriculture College Chowk to Sakhar Sankul has also seen an increase in chaotic driving, with many motorists unsure of which lane to follow. This confusion, experts warn, not only hampers traffic flow but also increases the risk of accidents. For many, the situation has become more precarious with the recent changes made to facilitate the Metro works. While the diversions between University Chowk and Shivajinagar were introduced last year to make way for the ongoing construction, the decision to open the stretch between Range Hills Chowk and Shivajinagar to two-way traffic has further complicated an already tangled traffic scenario. Commuters have expressed concerns about the unclear temporary road from Range Hills to Agriculture College, which they fear might remain open indefinitely, contributing to the confusion.
A regular commuter on this route, voiced his frustration, saying the authorities had failed to address the pressing need for proper road repairs. “The surface conditions at Agriculture College Chowk and the stretch between Range Hills Chowk and Shivajinagar are in poor shape and need urgent attention,” he remarked. Such issues, combined with the absence of direction boards, have made the area a hotspot for traffic congestion.
another commuter, echoed similar concerns, stressing that the introduction of two-way traffic in front of Rahul Theatre without adequate signage posed a serious safety risk. “The lack of clarity about which road to take when travelling from Sakhar Sankul towards Agriculture College could easily lead to accidents,” he added. Responding to the growing concerns, traffic police officials assured that measures are being taken to restore smooth traffic flow. Wardens have been deployed to maintain vehicle movement, and Metro authorities have been instructed to clear any remaining barricades from completed sections. Additionally, temporary barricades have been put in place around Agriculture College Chowk to control the flow of vehicles towards Shivajinagar.
However, while these steps are being implemented, the larger issue of the road’s deteriorating surface conditions and the lack of clear traffic management strategies remain unresolved. It is clear that a more comprehensive plan is needed, not just for traffic flow, but for ensuring the safety of all commuters and the sustainability of the road infrastructure. Without prompt action, the current challenges on Ganeshkhind Road could turn into a long-term hazard for those who rely on it for daily travel. As Pune continues to grow, the need for a modern, eco-friendly, and efficient transport system becomes more pressing. Citizens are increasingly calling for better infrastructure that not only addresses current issues but also ensures long-term sustainability. For now, it remains to be seen whether the authorities can implement lasting solutions to these ongoing traffic woes.
