Pune: Successful Anti-Traffic Congestion Drive Eased Traffic Woes in Wagholi and Lonikand Area; Police Efforts Lauded

Pune: With the successful implementation of the anti-traffic congestion drive, the traffic woes of the residents of Wagholi and the adjacent area have reduced recently. Yesterday, on Tuesday, in spite of it being market day, the streets of the Wagholi area wore a decongested look. Therefore, people are applauding the efforts taken by Police Inspector Gajanan Jadhav, Assistant Superintendent of the Lonikand Traffic Department. However, in order to maintain continuity, it is advised to increase the number of traffic police personnel and make necessary infrastructure upgrades in the traffic department.

Earlier, citizens were encountering many hardships due to the continuous traffic jam on the Pune Nagar Highway in Wagholi. Even the drivers coming from the city limits have to take the plunge before entering the Wagholi. However, after taking charge as Assistant Superintendent of the Lonikand Traffic Department, Gajanan Jadhav undertook an innovative campaign to clear the traffic congestion.

Jadhav informed the drivers about following the traffic rules. He also issued guidelines for restrictions on heavy traffic within the Wagholi city limits. Jadhav adopted a heavy-handed approach against vehicles violating traffic rules and banned street vendors on weekly market days, apart from enlightening PMT bus drivers about cautious driving. The successful implementation of Jadhav’s efforts bore fruit, and traffic congestion on these streets was greatly reduced.

Apart from Jadhav, the then Deputy Commissioner of Transport, Kishor Borate, also ordered the Lonikand Transport Department to take possible measures regarding soaring traffic problems in the city. However, he was later transferred to Thane. Now, with the appointment of Police Inspector Suresh Shinde, the Lonikand traffic department also has a police inspector.

Three days ago, Shinde assumed the charge of police inspector at Wagholi Police Station. At present, the work of installing signals at BJS Chowk is going on. Similarly, the signal installation at Lohgaon Chowk has been approved under his charge.

To address the problem of road congestion in this area, several solutions are needed. These include using towing vans to clear stalled or illegally parked vehicles, installing CCTV cameras at intersections for better monitoring, and increasing the number of transport personnel and wardens to manage traffic effectively. Additionally, removing obstacles like electric poles from roads and creating internal roads can help ease congestion. Installing signals at key intersections is also important.

Furthermore, there is a need for officers and staff to handle the mounting traffic issue. Apart from that, there is a need for another separate cabin for officers and staff. A washroom for women employees, a traffic control booth at Wagheshwar Chowk, and the installation of other equipped systems are also necessary.

Shantaram Katke, the member of the government-appointed Committee for the Development of the newly added 34 Village to Pune PMC, said that currently there is relief from traffic congestion. However, in order to keep continuity in it, persistent actions regarding the installation of advanced machinery, the provision of additional human power, etc. are necessary.

Lonikand Traffic Department has two officers, 35 employees, and 16 female employees. There are 20 wardens in this department and only two cabins for all these systems. This traffic department includes the Khandve Nagar to Perne Phata on Pune Nagar highway and adjacent villages within its limits.