Citizens Demand Accountability Amidst Pimpri Chinchwad’s BRT Debacle: Roads Blocked, Traffic Snarls and Wasted Taxpayer Funds

Growing discontent over failed BRT project highlights citizen concerns; urgent call for transparency and reform in transportation infrastructure.

14 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

In a growing outcry against the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes in Pimpri Chinchwad, citizens are voicing their concerns, pointing to a number of issues plaguing the city’s transportation infrastructure. They have highlighted key grievances, including the haphazard implementation of BRT routes, resulting in road blockages without operational and timely bus services. 

This discrepancy has led to widespread frustration as commuters endure prolonged traffic jams, wasting both time and money. Moreover, it has also contributed to pollution levels. 

Prashant Raul, a concerned citizen, expressed his disappointment and stated, “ The project has failed to fulfil its basic objective of enhancing public transport. Despite reserving 50% of the roads for buses, the frequency of buses remains less, resulting in congestion and traffic chaos on the remaining lanes. Taxpayer money is being wasted on a project that only benefits builders. Unlike Mumbai, which does not use BRT, even though it has a larger size of population as compared to Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad has sufficient space for such initiatives, yet they have proven futile. 

“The recent removal of BRT in Hadapsar has resulted in the freeing of roads, and reduced pollution further proves my point. Despite repeated attempts to seek clarification, both the Police Commissioner and PCMC officials have declined to comment on the matter.”

Maruti Salunkhe, another concerned citizen of Pimpri Chinchwad, talked about his experiences and stated, “BRT project in Pimpri Chinchwad has failed to address congestion due to which there are peak traffic hours from 8-10 am on routes to Pune. This ongoing issue not only wastes commuters’ time and money but also poses a risk of accidents, especially around congested areas such as Pimpri Chowk as well as Ashoka Hotel. Also, inadequate placement of bus stops causes pedestrians to cross roads to access them, which is a matter of inconvenience. The issue can be resolved through the cooperation of the PCMC with the citizens.”

In light of these mounting challenges, both the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and the Commissioner of Police have been urged to reevaluate the BRT project and prioritise the needs of citizens over vested interests.