Balewadi–Baner’s Traffic Chaos Sees Major Decline as Amol Balwadkar Foundation Manages Internal Roads With Dedicated Wardens
Balewadi–Baner’s Traffic Chaos Sees Major Decline as Amol Balwadkar Foundation Manages Internal Roads With Dedicated Wardens
Balewadi: Traffic congestion in the Balewadi-Baner region has seen a dramatic improvement of approximately 90% on internal roads over the past four years, according to local authorities. This change is attributed to the consistent deployment of 22 traffic wardens, a community initiative funded entirely by the Amol Balwadkar Youth Foundation.
Former corporator and foundation head, Amol Balwadkar, stated that the initiative began four years ago to address persistent traffic chaos at major junctions. Frustrated by the lack of permanent solutions like traffic signals or increased police deployment, the foundation took matters into its own hands.
“To solve the problem of traffic jams, we have personally appointed 22 traffic wardens in this area at our own expense. For the last four years, these wardens have been working here for eight months every year,” Balwadkar explained.
The wardens are strategically posted at key congestion points, including:
· Balewadi Mamta Chowk
· Balewadi Sai Chowk
· Jupiter Hospital Chowk
· Radha Chowk
· Kalamkari Chowk
· Kia Showroom Chowk
· Balaji Chowk (Pashan)
· Kapil Malhar Chowk
· Mahabaleshwar Hotel Chowk
· Nanaware Chowk (Baner)
These locations primarily involve 18-meter wide internal roads, which fall under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) jurisdiction.
Balwadkar highlighted the dual focus of the initiative. While the wardens ensure smooth traffic flow and enforce discipline among drivers, the foundation also advocates for long-term civic solutions from the PMC.
“The traffic problems in the Baner, Balewadi, and surrounding areas need to be resolved permanently. It is mandatory for vehicle drivers to follow the rules. The repair and completion of pending work on internal roads under the PMC in this area needs to be done quickly, and we are striving for that as well,” he said.
“Our goal remains to get all the incomplete road works in the pipeline completed at the earliest,” Balwadkar added, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to holistic traffic management in the rapidly developing area.
“This is the best initiative they have undertaken. These wardens have been performing this duty diligently for the last three to four years. Their consistent presence has made a significant impact.” Harishkumar Pathak, Adhyaksh, Shri Wakeshwar Jyeshth Nagrik Sangh, Pashan
“Amol Balwadkar’s work is excellent, and they serve our society very well. They provide good guidance and direction to people. There is a clear improvement at this junction. Earlier, due to the metro work, traffic used to build up while going towards Shivaji Nagar, but after the deployment of these wardens, the flow has become much smoother. Similarly, near Orchid Hotel at Radha Chowk, the traffic situation has also improved considerably.” Dr. Suresh Maruti Pawar, Chairman, Rajyog Housing Society, Baner
The initiative stands as a notable example of a community-led model supplementing civic infrastructure, resulting in reported smoother commutes for residents of the western Pune suburbs.
