Pune Citizens Protest Chaotic U-Turn Traffic Plan On Nagar Road, Slam PMC And Traffic Police Over Safety, Congestion
Pune Citizens Protest Chaotic U-Turn Traffic Plan On Nagar Road, Slam PMC And Traffic Police Over Safety, Congestion
Pune, June 23, 2025: Public frustration has boiled over on Pune’s Nagar Road, where residents, pedestrians, and commuters are protesting a newly introduced signal-free, U-turn-based traffic plan. Armed with banners reading “Sahib, how do we cross Nagar Road?” and “Why suffer for a wrong U-turn?”, citizens have taken to the streets to demand safer and better-planned road management from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Traffic Police.
The new traffic model, aimed at easing congestion, has seen the deactivation of eight traffic signals along the busy Nagar Road stretch. However, residents allege that the move has backfired—causing chaotic traffic jams, inadequate pedestrian access, and daily safety hazards.
Protest Over Lack of Planning and Consultation
Social activists Pramod Devkar, Anil Galande, and Karim Shaikh led the banner protest at key U-turn points, stating that the changes were implemented without public consultation or involvement of elected representatives.
“Pedestrians have been abandoned. There are no crossings, no signals, and no basic safety measures,” said one protester.
Key junctions affected include Shastrinagar Chowk, Aga Khan Palace, Ramwadi Hyatt Chowk, Viman Nagar, Somnath Nagar, and Chandan Nagar bypass. Commuters say the enforced U-turns at Kharadi’s old octroi post are ill-planned, leaving senior citizens, schoolchildren, and office-goers vulnerable on the road.
A former corporator reported it took him over 30 minutes to travel from Ramwadi to Shastrinagar, calling it a “traffic disaster.” He also criticized the inability of ambulances to move in peak-hour jams, despite quick responses from the traffic helpline.
Incomplete BRT Removal Adds to Woes
The situation is further worsened by the incomplete removal of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. Though the PMC claims to be dismantling the controversial system, residents argue that only bus stops have been removed, while central dividers continue to narrow lanes.
“Wider roads were promised, but only half-hearted measures have been taken. The BRT corridor was known for congestion and accidents. The core issue remains unsolved,” said an activist.
Citizens Demand Immediate Action
The message from Pune’s Nagar Road is clear: residents are demanding basic pedestrian infrastructure, fully removed BRT barriers, and a rethink of the current traffic plan. What was intended to be a congestion-busting solution has instead turned into a daily struggle for safety and mobility.
As the #NagarRoadChaos conversation gains traction online, citizens are urging authorities to listen—not just with helpline calls, but with visible action on the ground.
