Pune: PMPML Drivers’ Disregard for Traffic Rules Causing Persistent Congestion at Katraj Chowk?

Katraj, 21st February 2024: Motorists are facing hardship due to persistent traffic congestion at Katraj Chowk, primarily caused by the undisciplined behaviour of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) drivers. The disregard for traffic rules by PMPML drivers results in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the chowk. Additionally, the presence of rickshaws and buses further exacerbates the situation, leading to large crowds of passengers congregating at Katraj Chowk.

Frequent traffic congestion has become a recurring issue at Katraj Chowk. The primary causes of this problem include the absence of effective coordination between traffic police and PMPML drivers, as well as the non-compliance of traffic rules by PMPML drivers. The resulting lack of synchronization contributes significantly to the traffic standoffs in the area.

Buses departing from the PMPML depot have been instructed to reroute from the Gujarwadi Bus Stand to the Katraj bus stand to alleviate congestion at the square. Unfortunately, this directive is frequently disregarded by PMPML drivers.

The disobedience of these regulations by PMPML drivers results in extensive queues of vehicles on both sides of the road. Additionally, the presence of rickshaws and buses at Katraj Chowk contributes to a significant influx of passengers in the area. Despite the prohibition of buses and heavy vehicles from making right turns, compliance with this rule appears to be lax.

This non-compliance has led to extensive traffic jams, causing drivers to spend more than half an hour covering a mere two hundred meters. The congestion is notably impacting Kondhwa Road, Satara Road, Navle Bridge, and various parts of Pune city, particularly during peak morning and evening hours.

Govind Hande, the PMPML Depot Head, stated that drivers violating rules at the Katraj depot are now fined five hundred rupees to deter such behaviour. This measure has reportedly curtailed such incidents; however, new drivers from other depots will face checks, and stringent action will be taken against rule violations.

Contrary to this, residents assert that PMPML drivers often disregard rules, including traffic signals, making it challenging for bikers to navigate. The persistent non-compliance by PMPML drivers contributes to frequent traffic jams at Katraj Chowk.

To address these concerns, Bharti Vidyapeeth Traffic Branch Police Inspector Savita Dhamdhere mentioned organizing a joint meeting with PMPML drivers. The meeting aims to provide instructions to motorists and emphasize adherence to traffic rules. Strict actions will be taken in case of any subsequent violations.