Pune Traffic Crisis: 330% Growth, Failing Roads

Pune's infrastructure is under immense pressure due to rapid urban expansion, with municipal limits growing by 330% in the past three decades. The city's road network now constitutes only 8% of its area, significantly less than the recommended 15%. Public transport coverage stands at a mere 11%, falling short of the ideal 50%.

Adding to the congestion, Pune witnesses the addition of approximately 1,300 new vehicles each day, increasing the total traffic volume to 81 lakh. This escalating problem is now recognized as a consequence of fundamental planning failures. Data indicates 65 junctions require flyovers or grade separators to alleviate congestion.

A prior report from two years ago, detailing necessary improvements, saw less than 10% implementation by the civic body. Of 30 identified missing road links, only 18 are partially or fully complete. While 47 bottlenecks were pinpointed, action was taken on just 10, and plans are ready for only 35 of 90 congested junctions.

The traffic police aim to increase average commute speeds from the current 22.5 km/h to 26-30 km/h. This requires urgent completion of identified bottlenecks, addressing missing road links, and removing encroachments. The police commissioner has pledged follow-up actions with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regarding encroachments, illegal hawkers, and potholes, alongside providing additional manpower to the traffic branch.

In response, Member of Parliament Murlidhar Mohol highlighted the pressure on civic facilities due to geographic growth. He mentioned ongoing Metro expansion projects, including a 150-km network with a 56-km underground line, and fast-tracked work on the 36-km High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR). Approvals for 1,000 new e-buses are also in place to boost public transport.