Pune: The construction of the much-awaited flyover at Katraj Chowk, aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area, is facing delays due to issues with traffic diversion planning.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the traffic police department are reviewing shortcomings observed during two prior diversion trials.
Concerns about the cooperation of PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited) have also been raised as a critical factor in addressing these challenges.
To proceed with girder placement work for the flyover, traffic must be diverted through alternative routes. While NHAI and traffic police conducted two trials to implement these diversions, the efforts resulted in severe congestion due to incomplete planning and a lack of public awareness campaigns.
A joint meeting involving NHAI officials, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s traffic department, the PMPML administration, private transport stakeholders, and rickshaw unions is being held to assess these issues and develop a cohesive plan.
During the meeting, Assistant Police Commissioner Nandini Vagyani and Assistant Police Inspector Shilpa Lambe recommended specific measures to address traffic problems, emphasizing the need for immediate implementation.
The flyover project deadline, initially set for February 2024, has been extended to December 2024. Despite this extension, the likelihood of completing the work within the next month remains slim.
Officials stressed that collaboration among all parties, including PMPML and private transport operators, is crucial to advancing the work.
Proposed Measures for Traffic Management:
Divert heavy vehicles and state transport buses via Navale Bridge and Sinhgad Road using the new tunnel.
PMPML buses arriving at the old Katraj tunnel to stop at Gujarwadi Phata.
Reroute Swargate-Katraj PMPML buses via Katraj Dairy Chowk.
Divert heavy vehicles and buses from Katraj Bypass and Navale Bridge to Beladare Pump.
Reroute buses from Kondhwa to Katraj via Rajas Chowk.
Remove encroachments and parked vehicles from the main road and Katraj Chowk.
Shruti Naik, Executive Engineer, NHAI: “The project is at a crucial stage, and everyone’s cooperation is essential. Once the Katraj Chowk stage is cleared, the flyover work will gain significant momentum. This flyover is vital for the city and requires public support.”
Govind Hande, Depot Manager, Katraj PMPML: “We will fully cooperate with the project, rerouting PMPML buses as suggested by the traffic department. Stops at Katraj Dairy, Rajas Chowk, and Gujarwadi Phata will be planned accordingly.”
Amol Zhende, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic): “There is no alternative to constructing the flyover. Measures will be implemented to minimize disruption for local residents. Traffic will be managed to ensure minimal inconvenience during the construction period.”
