Pune: Mundhwa Bridge Footpaths Taken Over By Two-Wheelers, Leaving Pedestrians Struggling For Space
Pune: Mundhwa Bridge Footpaths Taken Over By Two-Wheelers, Leaving Pedestrians Struggling For Space
The footpaths on Mundhwa Bridge, connecting Kharadi to Magarpatta, Amanora, and Keshavnagar, have been taken over by two-wheeler riders seeking to avoid heavy traffic on the bridge. This has resulted in pedestrians struggling for space and raised safety concerns.
The bridge, spanning the Mula-Mutha River, was widened on one side by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2023, with footpaths constructed after removing encroachments. However, the other side remains narrow, forcing commuters to jostle for space during peak hours.
Pune: Mundhwa Bridge Footpaths Taken Over By Two-Wheelers, Leaving Pedestrians Struggling For Space #Pune #MundhwaBridge #Footpaths
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One of the residents, who wished to remain anonymous, while talking to the Pune Pulse emphasized the chaos caused by two-wheelers on the bridge. “Two-wheelers are creating major chaos and contributing to heavy traffic jams. To enter one single narrow line on Mundhwa Bridge, the lane should be blocked, or else the authority should open the entire road to clear this traffic jam. This has been creating harassment for other commuters on this particular road for around 4 to 5 months.”
The Mundhwa Residents Forum and locals from Keshavnagar have raised concerns about the impending traffic chaos once the new bridge connecting Godrej to the other side of the river becomes operational. They fear the Renuka Mata Mandir Road, currently the only access point, will be overwhelmed by the additional traffic.
Traffic authorities have acknowledged the issue but stated that infrastructure is outside their jurisdiction. Amol Zende, DCP, Pune Traffic Branch, said while talking to the media person that, “In 2024 alone, we issued 1.77 lakh challans to defaulters riding on the wrong side of the road. The PMC is responsible for addressing infrastructural issues, while we continue to enforce traffic rules.”
Subhash Appasaheb Nikam, ACP, traffic division, Mundhwa, told while communicating with media person that, “We regularly penalize violators on Mundhwa Bridge and nearby areas. The PMC is responsible for identifying infrastructural gaps and coordinating with the relevant authorities.”
Residents have emphasized the need for road-widening measures, better traffic management, and basic amenities like traffic lights to address the growing population and vehicular density in the area.
