Guidelines For Pedestrians On Safely Navigating Newly Opened Chandni Chowk Flyover. Check Details.
Inaugurated on August 12th, the revamped Chandani Chowk (NDA Chowk) flyover in Pune dazzles with its eight majestic lanes. However, amidst the splendor lies a crucial concern – the safe passage for pedestrians.
The eagerly awaited Chandani Chowk (NDA Chowk) flyover, a remarkable creation of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) costing approximately Rs 1000 Crore, was ceremoniously inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Amidst the magnificence of this architectural feat, it becomes imperative to address the question of how pedestrians can traverse this flyover safely. Here are the identified secure approaches for crossing the Chandani Chowk flyover:
- Kothrud and Highway Access: A tunnel has been thoughtfully constructed for those traveling from Kothrud and the Highway towards Mulshi. Unfortunately, the signage indicating this tunnel is currently diminutive, causing confusion among motorists. Additionally, a road created by the NDA exists, albeit currently closed. The path towards Mulshi remains concealed until proximity. To enhance safety, placing larger signboards on the water channel could significantly alleviate confusion, ensuring secure driving and pedestrian passage.
- Controlled Vehicle Halting: Private vehicles, buses, and rickshaws en route from Mumbai to Pune and Satara often halt on the road, elevating the risk of accidents. A bus stand has been thoughtfully established 100 meters from NDA Chowk on the Mulshi side, designed to mitigate this issue. However, private vehicles continue to halt near the bridge. Implementing regulations that prohibit this practice could substantially enhance pedestrian safety by facilitating unobstructed road crossing.
- Guided Pathways: NDA and the main highway can be accessed through service roads from Kothrud and Warje. However, upon descending from the bridge, the absence of signposts indicating the routes to NDA and the highway poses a navigational challenge. Consequently, a significant number of motorists inadvertently veer towards NDA instead of the highway. This results in eventual backtracking and confusion, with some relying on digital navigation aids to find their way. In fact, nearly 50 percent of motorists encountered a state of perplexity after remaining stationary for approximately half an hour.
As the newly-inaugurated Chandani Chowk flyover adds to Pune’s urban landscape, addressing these pedestrian concerns is pivotal. By implementing clearer signage, regulating vehicle halting practices, and enhancing navigational guidance, the city can ensure a seamless and secure experience for all road users.
Shreyas Vange
