Pune, 4th June 2025: Construction of a subway and flyover is underway at Rakshak Society Chowk on the Sangvi Phata–Ravet BRTS corridor in Pimple Nilakh. Due to road digging and flyover construction, the road has become narrower, leading to severe traffic jams. Commuters are facing daily inconvenience because of this ongoing situation.
The Rajiv Gandhi Bridge over the Mula River connects Sangvi and Aundh. The BRTS route starts from this bridge and continues to Ravet-Kiwale. Many IT professionals use internal village roads through Pimple Nilakh and Rakshak Society areas to travel to Baner and Balewadi. The high number of vehicles has worsened traffic at Rakshak Chowk.
During peak office hours in the morning and evening, a large number of commuters traveling between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad use this route. As a result, Rakshak Chowk faces massive congestion, often trapping commuters for 45 minutes to an hour.
“Large vehicles from Pimple Nilakh and chaotic driving worsen the traffic every day,”
Vijay Bhosale, Commuter
The BRTS corridor between Sangvi Phata and Ravet-Kiwale was developed nearly a decade ago, including main lanes and service roads. In the last two years, footpaths, cycle tracks, and tree plantations were added to enhance the route's aesthetics.
“Traffic wardens and police are regularly deployed. We plan to expand the narrow corner for left-turning vehicles and restrict heavy vehicles during peak hours. Citizens are requested to cooperate during ongoing work”
Pramod Ombhase, Chief City Engineer, PCMC
Currently, subway and flyover construction work at Rakshak Chowk is in progress. Once completed, it will ease access to Jagtap Dairy, Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri, Pune, and the highways. A separate underpass is also under construction through the Pimple Nilakh village area, which will benefit commuters traveling to Baner and Balewadi.
The situation is worsened by heavy vehicles coming from Pimple Nilakh and undisciplined driving. Vehicles taking U-turns toward Sangvi-Aundh add to the congestion.
“Permanent traffic police and wardens are assigned here. We regulate heavy vehicles during school and office hours to keep traffic flowing smoothly”
Pradeep Patil, Police Inspector, Sangvi Traffic Division
