Pune to Become Traffic Jam-Free City with New Measures, Says Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Pune, 24th July 2024: Pune, renowned for its educational, cultural, commercial, and industrial opportunities, is now set to establish itself as a traffic jam-free city. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed the implementation of advanced technological measures to alleviate the city’s traffic congestion issues. This directive came during a comprehensive review meeting held at the Mantralaya in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar highlighted that Pune’s rapid urbanization, driven by industrial development and employment opportunities, has led to a significant increase in the city’s population. This surge has placed immense pressure on Pune’s infrastructure, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Pawar emphasized the necessity of addressing this issue, stating, “The people of Pune should be freed from the problem of traffic congestion at any cost.”

Pawar assured that all possible measures would be taken to resolve Pune’s traffic issues. Initially, the focus will be on implementing low-cost, short-term solutions. Proposed measures include establishing a one-way traffic system, removing roadside encroachments, reducing signal times, introducing signal-less traffic management, widening internal roads, and connecting missing links.

Pawar instructed the Pune Traffic Police to submit detailed proposals outlining measures to address traffic congestion. Specific actions include removing encroachments, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) handling the removal and the Pune City Police providing necessary police support. Priority measures will target key areas such as Navale Bridge, and Koregaon Park’s ABC Chowk. Pawar assured that funds would be allocated for these initiatives.

Pawar emphasized the need to use artificial intelligence and advanced technology to tackle traffic issues. He called for coordinated efforts among the Police, Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and other relevant agencies. To facilitate this, Pawar suggested forming a coordination committee that includes expert representatives from these systems.

These efforts aim to transform Pune into a city free from the burdens of traffic congestion, ensuring smoother and more efficient transportation for its residents.