Concerns Mount as Mohammadwadi Residents Grapple with Traffic and Road Challenges

A growing sense of unease pervades the Mohammadwadi community as a multitude of traffic and road-related challenges continue to plague the area. From Kad Chowk to the Katraj Bypass Patch, and the junction adjacent to the Country Club, the region grapples with steep slopes, blind spots, overwhelming traffic, sharp turns, and deteriorating road surfaces, all of which pose a serious threat to the safety of residents and commuters alike.

Cdr (Retd) Pramodh Pattanath, a resident of Nyati Enclave, Mohammadwadi, expressed his concerns, particularly regarding the Country Club junction, where four roads converge, creating major congestion. He highlighted the steep terrain, treacherous turns, and persistent traffic flow. These conditions, combined with blind spots and road surface deterioration, present a potential hazard for both pedestrians and commuters, regardless of their mode of transportation.

Kad Chowk also emerged as a critical choke point, especially during peak traffic hours. The area features a steep descent toward a school, replete with sharp turns and treacherous road conditions. Another road connected to the school further exacerbates the situation, as children and other travelers navigate sharp turns, steep slopes, blind spots, congested traffic, and poorly maintained roads, raising legitimate concerns about safety.

Harshad Datar, a resident of Nyati Exotica, Mohammadwadi, highlighted another problematic location at the mid-point of the Undri-Hadapsar road via Sayyed Nagar, where a road ascends to the Country Club. Frequent accidents occur on this steep slope due to its narrow, precarious turns, demanding immediate improvements. Additionally, a road leading up from Kad Chowk to a school features a 30 to 40-ft road section in dire need of repair for the safety of all commuters.

Frustrated by these issues, Mohammadwadi residents have penned letters to the PMC Commissioner and DCP Pune Traffic Police, urging immediate action to address these persistent traffic and road-related concerns. They are advocating for long-term solutions to ensure the safety and convenience of all residents.

As per further information from both the letters by the residents to PMC Commissioner & DCP Pune Traffic Police,

·        Kad Chowk to Katraj Bypass Road:

Some of the traffic concerns here are:

(a) Non availability of complete and direct access route on of the ‘Kad Chowk to Katraj Bypass road’ view pending land issues

(b) Steep Slope/ Gradient at certain places

(c) Blind spots at certain points (Compounded wall by one land owner)

(d) Sharp turns at certain places

(e) Inadequate road safety markings and road signs

(f) Poor maintenance of road surfaces

(g) School Buses in large numbers from both schools and other vehicles (Not adhering to mandatory safety and maintenance requisites) as well as a variety of other smaller vehicles, especially two wheelers and cyclists

(h) Rush hour bottleneck view the fleet of school buses and office goers

 (i) Pedestrians and Evening/ Morning walkers

(j) Presence of numerous stray animals in the area

·        Traffic Junction Adjacent to Country Club:

Some of the traffic concerns here are:

(a) Multiple roads converge at this point

(b) Steep Slope/Gradient

(c) Blind spots at certain points & Sharp turns

(d) Non availability of the full potential of the road view land issues from ‘Caelum High School – Temple – to Junction’ and time bound access from within Someshwar Society

(e) Poor maintenance of road surfaces/surroundings

(f) Inadequate and practically non-existent road safety markings and road signs

(g) Variety of smaller vehicles, two wheelers and cyclists

(h) Pedestrians and Evening/Morning walkers

(i) Rush hour bottleneck

(j) Dense foliage not maintained periodically along the roads hindering the street lights

(k) Stray animals in the areaBalaji Salunkhe, Traffic Police Officer at Handewadi, shared some insights into the efforts to alleviate these issues. He mentioned the recent widening of Kad Nagar Chowk from 15 ft to 30 ft, redirecting traffic from the Khadi Machine route. Furthermore, he disclosed that a request had been submitted to the PMC to remove electric poles in the Kad Nagar area to further enhance road conditions. Addressing the deep slope at the Country Club, he cited manpower constraints but assured that, despite these limitations, the traffic police promptly respond to any accidents or traffic congestion incidents, swiftly resolving them.

In the face of these mounting concerns, Mohammadwadi residents are eagerly awaiting the implementation of solutions to address their safety and traffic woes.