PCMC plans to construct subway at Rakshak Chowk

At Pimple Nilakh’s Rakshak Society Chowk, a new subway is planned. The project intends to address the persistent problems with traffic congestion on the BRTS route between Sangvi Phata to Ravet.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Makarand Nikam, City Engineer (Civil), PCMC, said “The aim of the planned subway is to ease the movement of the straight traffic which goes towards Pune as it will become signal-free. The subway is planned to be constructed from Rakshak Chowk to Pimple Nilakh Road. The construction of the subway will begin in the next 3 to 4 months.”

As per further information, Sangvi and Aundh are connected by the Ravet-Kivale BRT route, which starts at the Rajiv Gandhi Bridge over the Mula River. The PCMC built a main road, service road, and BRT corridor ten years ago in addition to expanding this road. The last two years have seen improvements such as the installation of a cycle path, footpaths, and tree planting initiatives aimed at beautifying the area.

This road connects the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway, Wakad, and Hinjawadi to Y Junction. Sai Chowk, Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Pimpri, Pune-Mumbai, and Pune-Nashik highways are all accessible from here. Additionally, through Pradikaran, people can connect to the Kalewadi branch, Wakad, Kalewadi, Chinchwad, Bhosari MIDC, and Dange Chowk Thergaon, Chinchwad, and Valhekarwadi road. It also provides access to the recently developed regions of Ravet, Punavale, and Tathwade. Additionally, this links Pimple Nilkh to Baner, Balewadi area.

As a result, this route is frequently congested with traffic, mostly because of the influx of IT workers who commute to Hinjawadi. As a result, the number of cars has increased, causing continuous traffic jams at Rakshak Society Chowk. In response, the PCMC has suggested building a subway as a workable way to ease the traffic problems.

Shreyas Vange