Pune: Residents of NIBM Annexe and Mohammadwadi Demand Immediate Installation of Traffic Circle at SM Ghule Chowk
Pune: Temporary SM Ghule Circle In NIBM Annexe Reinstalled After Public Outcry; Citizens Demand Transparency And Legal Compliance
Pune, August 19, 2025: Residents of NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi, and Undri have raised a strong demand for the immediate installation of a properly designed and legally approved traffic circle at SM Ghule Chowk, following the recent removal of the earlier structure by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The PMC’s Road Department dismantled the previously installed circle after directions from the Pune Traffic Police, citing that the roundabout was excessively large and had been constructed without official permissions. While many locals had expressed concerns about the size and safety implications of the earlier structure, they are now worried about the growing risk of accidents due to the absence of any traffic-calming infrastructure at this busy intersection.
Jaymala Dhankikar, a long-time resident of NIBM Annexe, said, the circle was removed as it was oversized circle in violation of traffic rules and police laws but it’s been several days now, and nothing has come up in its place. This is a high-traffic zone, and the risk of accidents is very real.”
Echoing the sentiment, Raj Singh of Mohammadwadi added, “The area sees school buses, senior citizens, and daily commuters passing through all day. The circle must be rebuilt immediately—this time with full approvals and as per road safety norms.”
Local activist Ashok Mehendale pointed out, “The earlier circle was flawed and its removal was as per the law . Now without a timely replacement shows poor planning on the part of PMC . We urge PMC and the traffic department to work together and install a standard IRC-compliant roundabout.”
Uday Kulkarni, a resident of Undri, added, “When authorities remove something for being illegal or unsafe, it is their duty to replace it with a safe and legal alternative immediately—not wait indefinitely.”
Shashi Deodhar, a senior citizen, concluded, “Citizens’ safety must come first. A vetted traffic circle, approved by both the PMC and the Traffic Police, must be installed now—before any accidents happen.”
Residents have submitted written appeals and are planning to escalate the matter further if the situation is not addressed promptly. Their unified demand: the immediate installation of a legal, appropriately-sized, and traffic police-vetted traffic circle at SM Ghule Chowk for the safety of all road users.
