Pune lockdown: Heading towards Baner from Friday? Wait and take alternative route

Pune: As the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have lifted the strict lockdown, a large number of Punekars are expected to step out of their homes on Friday. But if you are one of them and planning to go towards Baner from Shivajinagar side, then step back and think of an alternative route as the Pune University flyover demolition work is going on in full swing.

The relaxed lockdown norms will be implemented in the two cities from Friday. Several companies and private offices are now permitted to operate with 10 to 15 per cent of their total staff strength. Several startups and IT companies operate from the Baner, Aundh and Pashan area and employees working there travel from Pune city interiors to their offices. As the strict lockdown is lifted, traffic on Ganeshkhind road is expected to surge.

Meanwhile, the work of demolishing the flyover at Savitribai Phule Pune University junction is in full swing. The Pashan wing of the flyover has already been demolished. The Baner wing is being taken down presently. After the Baner wing work is done, the Aundh wing of the flyover will be demolished.

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has undertaken the work of demolishing the existing flyovers to make way for the proposed Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar metro line. PMRDA has planned to finish it by the first week of August, but the large volume of everyday commuters from Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baner, Balewadi passing through the Pune University junction causes major traffic snarls on both sides of the road. To avoid such traffic jams, the PMRDA and Pune Traffic police have asked commuters to opt for alternative routes to reach their destination till the demolition work is completed.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
Phase 1: Baner wing of flyover being demolished

• From Shivajinagar to Baner: Take the Pashan lane of Ganeshkhind road and head straight up to City police and then merge ahead with Baner route.
• No change for those headed to Pashan and Aundh
• No changes for those coming from Pashan side, Baner or Aundh to Shivajinagar

Phase: Aundh wing of flyover being demolished

• From Shivajinagar to Aundh: Those coming from Aundh side should take Baner road and take right turn at ITI road and merge ahead with Aundh road.
• No changes for those headed to Pashan or Baner
• No changes for those coming from Pashan side, Baner or Aundh to Shivajinagar

July 31 to August 9 - E Square wing and remaining bridge portion.
Vehicles coming from Pashan and going towards Shivajinagar should go to Baner road via Abhimanshri society junction.