Pune : Alternative Route Eases Traffic Woes on Ganeshkhind Road

After a month of work, the temporary alternative road project by the College of Agriculture is nearing completion. This project aims to ease traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road by providing a new route for light vehicles, such as two-wheelers, travelling from Shivajinagar and Fergusson College Road to Rangehills, Bopodi, and Khadki. The latest road will be fully operational in 15 days, providing commuters a much-needed escape.

Persistent traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road has seemed to be an issue, especially with the ongoing construction of various projects like the multi-storied flyover, metro, and road widening near Anandrishiji Maharaj Chowk.

According to reports, authorities are considering using Agricultural College Road. However, students oppose it due to potential disruptions to their studies and training.

A breakthrough came in February during a meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, senior municipal officials, representatives from the College of Agriculture, and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). After considering the concerns, the decision was made to construct an alternative road next to the protective wall of the College of Agriculture.

Construction work began on February 13, close to the boundary wall of the Agricultural College and Mahametro. The initial stages of the project involved two layers of levelling, mud, and soil filling, followed by a mixture of gravel and cutch to ensure proper rainwater drainage. Quarrying is currently in progress, and the final step will be the application of asphalt, which is expected to be completed within the next 15 days. Officials from PMRDA have confirmed that the road will be open to traffic once the work is completed.

The alternative route, stretching from the Mahametro entrance at Sakhar Sankul under the Lohmarg Bridge to the Hatchery Center in Cantonment limits along the guard wall of Agriculture College, is approximately one to one and a half kilometres long. Once operational, it aims to provide relief for two-wheeler and light vehicle drivers travelling from Fergusson College Road, Shivajinagar to Bopodi, Khadki, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, easing the burden of traffic congestion in the area.