Pune Traffic Nightmare | Sinhagad Road Grapples with Traffic Nightmare, Citizens’ Demand Of One Way Ignored
Pune: Pune Traffic Nightmare | Sinhagad road, a major artery connecting various areas in Pune, was brought to a standstill today as a storm of challenges led to hours-long traffic jam. From 8:30 in the morning until noon, long queues of vehicles stretched for miles, causing immense frustration and inconvenience to commuters.
The primary cause of the traffic chaos is the ongoing construction of a flyover on the main Sinhagad road. The project, while promising long-term benefits, has created bottlenecks and diversions, forcing vehicles to navigate through potholes and endure rain-induced delays. Moreover, the highway near Swaminarayan temple and the bridge experienced obstructions, diverting the entire traffic flow onto Sinhagad road.
As a result, all roads adjacent to the canal became choked with vehicles, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Even covering a mere one to one and a half kilometers from Manik Bagh to Hingane took an exasperating hour.
Adding to the traffic woes, vehicles from Narhe, Dhairi, Vadgaon, Khadakwasla, and Donje Jambhulwadi areas were rerouted to Sinhagad road, further exacerbating the gridlock.
A few key factors contributed to the severity of the situation:
1. Road Obstruction due to Flyover Work: The ongoing flyover construction necessitated road closures and diversions, causing traffic snarls and adding to commuters’ woes.
2. Potholes in the Road: The condition of the road surface, riddled with potholes, made the journey even more challenging, slowing down vehicles and causing discomfort.
3. Limited Traffic Police Presence: With a limited number of traffic police personnel, managing the sudden influx of diverted traffic became a daunting task.
4. Citizens’ Cooperation: The situation called for the cooperation of citizens to follow traffic rules and facilitate smooth traffic flow. However, a lack of adherence from some exacerbated the situation.
5. Neglecting One-Way Transport Demands: The persistent demand for one-way transport from Kalling to Vishranti Nagar has been overlooked, contributing to the traffic snarls in the area.
The authorities must take swift action to address these challenges and devise a comprehensive strategy to manage traffic more effectively. Timely communication about road closures and diversions, proactive road repairs, and enhanced traffic police presence are essential to alleviate the congestion on Sinhagad road.
Additionally, considering alternative traffic management methods, such as one-way routes and innovative solutions to address potholes and road conditions, can significantly improve the commuting experience for the city’s residents.