Pune: PMC Directed To Fast-Track DP Road Traffic Projects, Says Funds Will Not Be A Constraint
Pune: PMC Directed To Fast-Track DP Road Traffic Projects, Says Funds Will Not Be A Constraint
Pune, July 25, 2026: Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister and Kothrud MLA Chandrakant Patil has directed Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials to ensure that ongoing infrastructure works on DP Road are not delayed due to lack of funds. Reviewing measures to address chronic traffic congestion in the Rajaram Bridge–DP Road corridor, Patil assured officials that the required funds would be made available through the PMC as well as the MLA Local Area Development Fund.
During the review meeting, Patil stressed the need for permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes to improve traffic movement in the busy Kothrud area. He also announced the deployment of 15 volunteer traffic wardens through public participation to assist with traffic management and improve road discipline.
Officials presented an update on the implementation of directives issued during an inspection conducted on July 17. The review covered removal of encroachments along DP Road, traffic reorganisation, pedestrian safety measures, installation of rumble strips, zebra crossings, speed breakers, and other improvements suggested by the Traffic Police. Patil expressed satisfaction with the progress and instructed departments to complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeline.
One of the key decisions taken during the meeting was to close unauthorised openings in the road median on DP Road. Authorities identified 14 such openings that disrupt traffic flow and contribute to accidents. In the first phase, seven openings near Sinhgad Chapati, Mahalaxmi Nursery, Saurabh Society, Oliva Hotel, Vartak Heritage, Curry Leaf Restaurant, and Kolhapuri Katta Hotel will be permanently closed. The remaining openings will be reviewed in consultation with the Traffic Police before further action is taken.
Traffic officials have also jointly inspected the stretch from Mahalaxmi Lawns and Rajaram Bridge to Patwardhan Baug to implement measures aimed at improving traffic flow. The proposed changes include designated pedestrian crossing points, closure of illegal median cuts, traffic direction modifications, and signal optimisation.
BJP spokesperson Sandeep Khardekar said the measures are expected to ease congestion not only on DP Road but also on Sinhagad Road, Mehendale Garage Chowk, Vitthal Mandir Road, Karvenagar Panand Road, and other key routes, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. Patil directed all concerned departments to regularly evaluate the pilot measures and implement long-term, coordinated traffic management solutions.
