Pune: Hadapsar Traffic Diversion Backfires, Residents Complain Of Increased Congestion

In order to reduce traffic congestion under Pune's Magarpatta bridge, the traffic police closed the main road by erecting barricades at the intersection a month ago. However, the traffic under the bridge has increased since then.

The changes in the traffic were made to reduce congestion. However, this has started causing congestion on the flyover and has caused great inconvenience to pedestrians crossing the intersection.

Therefore, the citizens are expressing their anger that this changed traffic plan has not solved their problems and is instead posing a threat.

"It was easy to turn from Magarpatta Chowk towards Vaiduwadi, Magarpatta and Hadapsar in all three directions. With proper traffic regulation, traffic was also smooth. The chowk was also convenient for citizens going to hospitals, schools, temples, bus stands and for jobs. But a month ago, the police put up barricades at the chowk and stopped U-turns for traffic coming from Hadapsar and traffic going towards Magarpatta and to the city. Due to this, traffic on both sides of Magarpatta Road has started going over the bridge. However, due to this, there is a huge traffic jam on this narrow bridge during the morning, afternoon and evening rush hours. This jam is increasing and vehicles are queuing up," said Raj Solanke, a commuter.

"The residents have to walk long distances or risk their lives to reach schools, hospitals, bus stands, temples, mega centres, etc., and for daily work. Ambulances, school buses and workers have to stand in traffic jams for hours, making it difficult to keep up with the times. As vehicles are moving at a high speed on the main road, senior citizens, children and women have to cross the road with great difficulty and effort," said social activist Praveen Patil.

"Our ambulances are located in the area of Noble, Sahyadri or Poonawalla Hospital. Due to the closure of the turns at Magarpatta Chowk, we are facing great difficulty in providing services to patients. This is putting the lives of patients at risk. Earlier, patients used to get services in the area within 10-15 minutes. Now this time has increased to 40 minutes," said an ambulance driver.

"I have a transport business and I have to send vehicles to Pimpri, Bhosari and other areas. The Magarpatta-Kharadi road is convenient for this. Currently, to access this road, you have to go over the Magarpatta flyover. However, since vehicles coming from Hadapsar and Kharadi converge on the bridge, traffic is disrupted for hours. This has had a major impact on my business," stated Suraj Jagtap, a transporter.

"The municipal corporation and the police did not consider pedestrians while planning the traffic. Due to the closure of the intersection, vehicles are coming at a fast pace from both sides. Due to this, it has become difficult to cross the road. Bus passengers have to walk a long distance. Senior citizens, women and students are facing great hardship. Such measures should be taken for the convenience of everyone," emphasised Sidharth Mule, a daily commuter.

"The closure of Magarpatta Chowk has increased the flow of traffic. Currently, there are major complaints from pedestrians in the area and transporters using the Magarpatta Bridge. A study is being conducted to ensure that there is no traffic jam on the bridge and measures can be taken for the convenience of pedestrians. A decision will be taken in this regard as per the orders of the superiors," added a junior traffic police official.

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