Pune: Incomplete Removal Of BRTS Corridor On Nagar Road Raises Safety Concerns
Pune: Incomplete Removal Of BRTS Corridor On Nagar Road Raises Safety Concerns
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces growing criticism over its partial removal of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor on Nagar Road, leading to severe traffic issues and accidents. The BRTS route, which initially spanned about 7 km from Parnakutti to Wagholi, has become a significant point of contention.
Local citizens, represented by the Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum, have repeatedly urged PMC to remove the remaining railings to ease traffic congestion and prevent further accidents. Despite these calls, no action has been taken, raising concerns about the PMC’s commitment to public safety.
The forum’s convener, Qaneez Sukhrani, criticized PMC and local authorities for ignoring the obvious solution and instead opting for more costly infrastructure projects like flyovers and underpasses. “The solution is right in front of their noses, but they act blind,” she stated, urging the PMC to prioritize the removal of the remaining BRTS corridor for the safety of all road users.
In December 2023, PMC dismantled approximately 2 km of BRTS corridor railings between Gunjan and Ramwadi following an adverse report from the Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics. However, the remaining 3 km stretch from Ramwadi to Aaple Ghar at Wagholi, which lies within the PMC jurisdiction, has been left untouched, allegedly due to reluctance from Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale.
This incomplete removal has led to confusion and dangerous driving conditions. The existing railings on either side of the road demarcate the BRTS corridor, but the absence of a central median divider has resulted in frequent lane violations. Drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area, often switch to the wrong side, leading to accidents. The situation is exacerbated by poor street lighting, with vehicles frequently climbing onto the railings.
Data from the Traffic Police reveals alarming figures of accidents and fatalities on this stretch from 2018 to 2023, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. The stretch has also been identified as a hotspot for blind spots, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Previously, in 2020, MahaMetro removed a 2 km section of BRTS railings from Parnakutti to Gunjan, which improved traffic flow. However, the hesitation to dismantle the remaining railings from Ramwadi to Aaple Ghar is puzzling and continues to pose a significant safety hazard.
