Pune Residents Demand Action New Traffic Commissioner Needed for the City
The bustling city of Pune, once known for its relatively smooth traffic flow, is now grappling with a crisis of congestion, traffic violations, and an apparent lack of enforcement. As the situation worsens, citizens have turned to social media to express their frustrations, with a growing number of Punekars urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to appoint a new traffic commissioner.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been abuzz with pleas for change. One such post read, “We need a new traffic commissioner in Pune. The traffic is hopeless. People break signals left, right and centre. Nobody fears the cops. The cameras don’t work. What is the incentive to be law-abiding and honest if such people get to do what they want?” This sentiment was echoed by several others, highlighting how the city’s traffic situation has spiralled out of control. Many residents claimed that law enforcement seemed ineffective, with violations continuing unchecked despite the presence of cameras.
The appeal for a new traffic commissioner is just one part of a wider conversation about Pune’s deteriorating road safety. As the city’s population grows, so does the number of vehicles on its roads. This has led to frequent accidents, longer commute times, and increased frustration among the populace. One user shared their personal experience, saying, “I started learning to drive a few days ago, and it’s a nightmare. People break signals even during the day.” Another user, frustrated with the enforcement system, remarked, “What will a new traffic commissioner do? Every traffic police officer is already a commissioner because they take a commission from people who flout the rules.”
While some netizens believe that the appointment of a new traffic commissioner may not fully address the underlying issues, many others point to a deeper, more systemic problem: the lack of civic responsibility. A significant portion of the public believes that a change in leadership would only be effective if the citizens themselves begin to respect traffic laws voluntarily. One commenter noted, “The law doesn’t have to be enforced if people are willing to abide by it for their own and others’ safety.” Others suggested that a more sustainable approach could involve using social media to raise awareness, creating short videos to influence public behaviour and encourage compliance.
The sustainability angle of this issue is particularly significant, as the growing traffic problem also contributes to environmental challenges such as increased air pollution and fuel consumption. The dense traffic and frequent idling of vehicles exacerbate the city’s carbon footprint, an issue that has implications for Pune’s long-term environmental health. Sustainable urban planning is needed to address these problems holistically, incorporating better traffic management, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and a more robust public transport system.
In the end, while the call for a new traffic commissioner resonates with many residents, it is clear that addressing the traffic crisis in Pune will require both leadership changes and a shift in the collective civic mindset. The road to a more sustainable and safer Pune depends on a multifaceted approach, with citizens, the local government, and law enforcement agencies working together towards meaningful reform.
