Pune: Traffic Diversions Introduced At Mundhwa Chowk To Tackle Congestion
Pune: Traffic Diversions Introduced At Mundhwa Chowk To Tackle Congestion
In a bid to ease chronic traffic congestion at Pune’s busy Mundhwa Chowk, local traffic police and municipal authorities have rolled out new vehicle diversion plans. The intersection, which connects traffic from the Kharadi bypass, Mundhwa village, Magarpatta, and Ghorpadi, often becomes chaotic during peak hours, with long queues and unsafe practices like wrong-side driving and two-wheelers using footpaths.
As part of the new traffic strategy, direct right turns at the chowk will now be prohibited. Instead, U-turns will be encouraged to maintain a signal-free traffic flow. For example, vehicles coming from Mundhwa will no longer be allowed a direct right turn toward Ghorpadi. Similar restrictions will also apply to routes connecting Kharadi, Magarpatta, and Ghorpadi.
Though the initiative is designed to streamline movement and reduce halts at the junction, many commuters have expressed skepticism. A recent trial run on Sunday reportedly did little to improve congestion, with inadequate space for U-turns—especially problematic for larger vehicles.
Regular commuters also voiced concerns that the changes may lead to longer travel times, particularly for those commuting between Mundhwa-Keshavnagar and areas like Ghorpadi or Kharadi. Residents emphasized that without long-term infrastructure developments such as a bridge or flyover, the changes might only offer temporary relief.
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The traffic diversions will be implemented in phases over the next few days, and a two-week trial will help authorities gauge their effectiveness. Officials have planned a public meeting with residents and daily commuters to collect feedback before making the changes permanent. While some roadside encroachments near the junction have already been cleared, locals believe more space needs to be reclaimed. Suggestions include creating wider, dedicated lanes for left turns to improve overall traffic movement.
