Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum Urges State Government for Comprehensive Traffic Overhaul in Pune

In March 2024, the Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum learned that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding Pune’s traffic issues, filed in 2015, was scheduled for hearing. Taking a proactive stance, the Forum submitted a set of recommendations to the Hon’ble High Court, with copies sent to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, and the Police Commissioner, advocating for immediate reforms to overhaul the traffic management system.

Qaneez Sukhrani, Convenor – Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum has been actively raising various civic issues from the city. 

The Forum highlighted the need for systemic changes to address the deep-rooted causes of traffic congestion and poor road quality. Key recommendations include:

1. Acknowledgment of the Problem: The State Government must recognize that traffic issues cannot be resolved through recurring crisis management alone.
2. Formation of High-Level Committee: A committee comprising serving and retired IAS and IPS officers, along with experts, should be established to periodically review and improve the traffic management system.
3. State-Level Accountability: Senior State officials must address the issue promptly and not defer it.
4. Systemic Changes Required: The State Government should:
   • Allow PMC/PCMC to lead in planning and maintaining roads to avoid arbitrary management.
   • Ensure coordinated efforts among all agencies involved in road planning and maintenance.
   • Require Police to lead traffic management and establish a division with qualified traffic planners for project approval.
   • Conduct and review traffic surveys before executing any road projects.
5. Focus on Infrastructure and Regulations:
   • Concentrate on land acquisition for a 128 km Ring Road to divert heavy and intercity traffic away from Pune.
   • Implement restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours and prohibit them from public roads for parking.
   • Ensure construction and garbage vehicles do not obstruct city roads during peak times.
   • Increase police personnel to manage traffic more effectively and protect pedestrian rights by clearing encroachments from footpaths.
6. Implementation of Policies and Plans:
   • Enforce existing policies like the 2016 Pay & Park Policy, Pedestrian Policy, and Pune Cycle Plan.
   • Relocate hawkers from non-designated areas and enhance road widening according to the Development Plan 2017.
   • Streamline public transport by rationalizing bus routes and halting locations to improve traffic flow.
7. Traffic Management and Safety Improvements:
   • Redesign traffic calming islands to improve vehicle movement.
   • Install notice-boards to prevent encroachments and illegal parking.
   • Ensure speed-breakers are designed and placed according to established guidelines.
   • Maintain roads and fill potholes following technical procedures and guidelines.

The Forum’s comprehensive recommendations aim to enhance traffic management and road safety in Pune, ensuring a more organized and efficient transportation system.

Sancheti College

Sancheti College