Pune: Demand Grows For Permanent Fix On Punawale To Chandani Chowk Service Road To Ease Traffic On Mumbai Bengaluru HighwayÂ
Pune: Demand Grows For Permanent Fix On Punawale To Chandani Chowk Service Road To Ease Traffic On Mumbai Bengaluru HighwayÂ
In a significant development, former corporator of Balewadi Jyoti Ganesh Kalamkar’s persistent efforts to address the deteriorating condition of the Mumbai-Bangalore highway have borne fruit. Kalamkar’s detailed letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the urgent need for a concrete service road along the heavily trafficked stretch passing through Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
The highway near key landmarks like the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Hinjawadi IT Park, and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium at Wakad is notorious for its congestion and frequent potholes. These conditions, especially during the monsoon, have led to numerous accidents and pose a constant threat to commuters.
In his appeal, Kalamkar emphasized that the road is lined with essential establishments, including schools, colleges, IT companies, banquet halls, mangal offices, hotels, and car showrooms, resulting in nearly 24-hour traffic. Despite multiple attempts to fill the potholes, the problem persists, necessitating a more permanent solution.
The traffic congestion has also had economic repercussions. As many as 38 companies have relocated from the Hinjewadi IT Park due to the heavy traffic on this route, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.
Responding to the plea, Nitin Gadkari has given a positive response, assuring that the service road along the Mumbai-Bangalore highway from Punawale to Chandani Chowk will be concreted soon after the completion of the Pune-Mumbai Express Highway. This development is expected to bring significant relief to daily commuters and reduce the risk of accidents caused by potholes.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Kalamkar expressed his gratitude for the swift action and shared that she had a conversation with Manoj Wadekar, personal assistant to Nitin Gadkari, who confirmed the positive response. “Soon, the public will be free from the accident-prone and pothole-ridden service road. The cement concreting of the service road will ensure smoother traffic and a safer journey for all,” Kalamkar stated.
This move is anticipated to significantly improve the traffic flow and safety on this vital stretch of the Mumbai-Bangalore highway, benefiting thousands of commuters and businesses in the area.
