Pune: On Friday, June 7, commuters experienced significant traffic jams on Ganeshkhind Road and surrounding areas due to the commencement of portal beam installation for the flyover ramp at the Acharya Anand Rishi Maharaj junction near Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) during peak office hours. The situation was exacerbated by light rain and pothole-ridden roads, making the commute even more challenging for office-goers and other travelers. The traffic congestion extended to Senapati Bapat Road, Aundh Road, Baner Road, and Pashan Road.
The light rain prompted more citizens to use their cars, worsening the traffic situation further. Many commuters were delayed, especially during peak office hours.
Construction of a multi-storeyed flyover bridge, Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar metro line, and road widening on the Ganeshkhind Road stretch has been ongoing for several months. To alleviate traffic congestion, vehicles from Aundh and Baner are being diverted through VAMNICOM, Rangehills, and Agricultural College. However, commuters have complained that the long diversion route increases their commute time.
The flyover ramp portal beam work narrowed down the lane size available for vehicular traffic and resulted in slowing down the traffic speed. Rain water accumulated on roads resulted in water logging and potholes, thereby adding challenges for two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicle drivers. The main Ganeshkhind Road along with the diversion route got choked.
Work has been started at SPPU junction for portal beam for the flyover ramp. Due to this the space available for vehicular traffic has got squeezed. Rains prompted citizens to bring out their cars and potholes on road added to the woes of commuters. Traffic congestion reduced on Friday afternoon.
Shafiq Pathan, Police Inspector, Chatuhshrungi Traffic Division, Pune City Police
A commuter, Vikas Kedar, said, "Police and PMC officials should have better coordination while initiating any new work on roads which have heavy traffic. Officials should ensure that this work is not done during office peak hours. Else they should ensure that traffic would flow smoothly."
