Traffic Woes in Pune Escalate as Two-Wheelers and Auto-Rickshaws Take Over Footpaths To Escape Congestion
The escalating traffic congestion in Pune City has become a pressing concern, exacerbated by the growing number of two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws encroaching upon pedestrian walkways. Instances of these vehicles utilizing footpaths to bypass traffic have been observed prominently in key areas such as Pune University Chowk, Jungli, Nal Stop, Juna Bazaar, Mangalwar Peth, Pune-Satara road, Ambedkar Chowk, Pimpri, and Solapur Bazaar to Golibar Maidan.
The deteriorating condition of footpaths, marked by broken bollards facilitating easy vehicle access, contributes to this phenomenon. Concerned citizens voice their distress, highlighting the safety hazards posed, especially when accompanied by vulnerable individuals such as children or elderly family members. Confrontations with bikers and incessant honking further exacerbate the situation, leaving pedestrians feeling marginalized and unprotected.
This encroachment not only infringes upon the rights of pedestrians but also disrupts the flow of four-wheeled traffic, notably evident near JM Road and Law College Road. The resulting congestion during peak hours leads to prolonged waiting times for motorists, including those reliant on public transportation services such as the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML).
In response to these challenges, the Traffic Police Pune has intensified enforcement efforts, ensuring adherence to traffic regulations including signal compliance, designated road usage, and speed limits. Offenders face fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2000. Additionally, Police Inspector Shafil Pathan has issued a letter to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), urging prompt repairs of damaged bollards to deter further encroachments.
The growing encroachment of footpaths by two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws presents a multifaceted challenge requiring collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies, municipal authorities, and the public to mitigate traffic disruptions and ensure pedestrian safety.
