Punes Traffic Woes Continue Despite Road Widening Mass Transit Emphasized
In Pune, a Member of Legislative Council on Tuesday urged a collaborative approach between urban development and home departments to combat the escalating traffic congestion across major cities. The legislator highlighted the state’s severe traffic woes, particularly on bottlenecked highways like Pune-Nashik and Pune-Nagar, which remain congested despite extensive widening efforts. Recent reports indicate that cities such as Mumbai and Pune are among the most congested globally. This persistent issue suggests that current road expansion projects are failing to keep pace with the exponential growth in vehicle populations, prompting calls for more stringent governmental interventions to alleviate hardships faced by common people.
The legislator argued that despite significant road widening on sections of these key highways, travel times between cities like Pune and Nashik, and Pune to Ahilyanagar, have not decreased; in some cases, congestion has even intensified. In response, a cabinet minister conceded that traffic congestion has indeed become an acute issue in major urban centers, primarily due to the large number of new vehicle registrations daily. The government representative, however, outlined a strategy focused on promoting a robust mass transport system, specifically detailing plans for an extensive Metro service network. This includes 393.76 kilometers in Mumbai, 136.42 kilometers in Pune, and 83.82 kilometers in Nagpur, aiming to encourage reduced private vehicle usage.
Furthermore, the legislator raised concerns about the implementation of modern technology, such as CCTV camera networks used for traffic offense challans. While acknowledging their potential, issues of “misappropriation” were highlighted, with numerous vehicle owners reporting incorrect or duplicate challans. Figures from the state government indicate that approximately Rs 1,000 crore remains pending for recovery through these challans until 2024. The legislator demanded a joint meeting involving officials from both the home and urban development departments to address these critical traffic issues comprehensively, advocating for integrated planning and project review to ensure efficacy.
The ongoing debate underscores the need for integrated urban planning and sustainable transport solutions beyond mere road expansion. Prioritizing robust mass transit systems and transparent smart city technologies is crucial for alleviating congestion, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in rapidly urbanizing areas, ensuring a more livable and connected future.
