Pune: In a bid to tackle the severe traffic congestion on the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass, the Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Pune Rural Police have jointly decided to enforce a ban on heavy vehicles during peak hours.
The proposed restriction, which would prevent heavy vehicles from accessing the bypass between 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 9 PM, will soon be reviewed by the District Collector for final approval.
The Katraj-Dehu Road bypass, though originally part of the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway, has become a crucial artery for urban traffic due to the rapid urbanization around it and the presence of the Hinjewadi IT Park. This has led to frequent traffic jams and an increase in fatal accidents.
Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil highlighted the urgent need for this measure during a recent press briefing, where he outlined the growing strain on the bypass, which is now handling nearly double its intended traffic capacity.
To accommodate the affected heavy vehicles, the police have identified specific parking areas on surrounding highways, including a 17-acre site near Khed-Shivapur on the Satara Road and designated spots along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway.
The ban aims to ease congestion and improve safety during the busiest times of the day, with the proposal expected to be finalized after consultations with the District Collector.
Traffic Exceeds Capacity
The road was originally designed to handle 98,000 vehicles per day (per car unit), but it currently sees a daily traffic volume of 160,000 vehicles, a number that is expected to continue growing.
The 34-kilometer, six-lane Katraj-Dehu Road bypass lacks service roads in many places, further complicating the traffic situation. A Ring Road is proposed in the future, which is expected to resolve the traffic issues once completed.
Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass
Once on the outskirts of the city, the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass is now a part of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Significant urbanization has occurred in areas like Narhe, Warje, Bavdhan, Bhukum, Sus, Baner, Mhalunge-Balewadi, Hinjewadi, Punawele, and others.
The road is also used for local traffic due to the presence of the Hinjewadi IT Park and several educational institutions in the area.
As a result, traffic congestion and accidents have become prevalent issues.
Fatal Accidents
2023: 21 deaths
2024: 15 deaths (up to August)