Pune: Revised Traffic Plan Implemented on Sadhu Vaswani Bridge Amid Ongoing Demolition Preparations in Koregaon Park

Koregaon Park, 27th February 2024: In the latest adjustment to the traffic plan surrounding the Sadhu Vaswani Bridge, one-way vehicular movement has been reinstated from Circuit House Chowk to Blue Diamond Chowk. The decision, announced by the traffic police on Monday, follows a complete traffic ban on the bridge the previous day, leading to significant congestion at key junctions such as Council Hall Chowk, Inspection Bungalow Chowk, and Wadia College.

The modified traffic arrangement will persist until a comprehensive plan, developed in collaboration with civic authorities, is finalized. A traffic police official stated, “This traffic arrangement will continue until the revised plan is worked out in consultation with the civic authorities.”

Over the past month and a half, the traffic police, in conjunction with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has been diligently devising plans to facilitate the demolition of the existing bridge and the subsequent construction of a four-lane overpass. The initial plan was implemented on January 10, with subsequent adjustments on February 10, 24, and 25.

Explaining the recent changes, the official mentioned, “We implemented the revised plan on Saturday [with no traffic on the bridge]. It, however, resulted in traffic bottlenecks on alternative routes, necessitating more planning. We will come out with a revised plan for traffic in the area. We urge commuters to cooperate with us till the final plan is in place.”

However, commuters and residents expressed their frustration, citing confusion due to the frequent alterations in the traffic plan. Vikas Khude, a regular user of Sadhu Vaswani Bridge, lamented the increased travel time and urged authorities to formulate an effective and feasible plan.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on alternative routes, with Anil Baheti emphasizing the critical role of Sadhu Vaswani Bridge as the sole structure allowing motorists to cross the railway tracks in the area.

Highlighting the challenges faced by commuters, another individual remarked, “Junctions like IB Chowk, Wadia College Chowk, Council Hall Chowk witnessed snarls after traffic diversion. The traffic police should come up with a feasible plan as the bridge work will continue for two years after onset.”

While PMC officials expressed readiness for the bridge demolition and new overpass construction, they acknowledged that finalizing the traffic plan remains a priority. “We are ready with the plan to demolish the existing bridge and construct the new overpass. But it looks like the traffic plan will take some more time,” a PMC official stated.