Pune-Nagar Road Relief: BRT Lane Removal Begins After Years of Traffic Woes and Political Push

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Viman Nagar, 13th April 2025: In a significant move expected to ease long-standing traffic congestion on the Pune-Nagar Road, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has finally begun removing sections of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. The action follows persistent demands and follow-ups from local leaders, including Vadgaonsheri MLA Bapusaheb Pathare and former MLA Sunil Tingre, and was initiated under the directives of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The BRT lane removal began late Thursday night (April 12) at key traffic bottlenecks—Somnath Nagar Chowk, Kharadi Bypass, and Aple Ghar. These stretches have been notorious for traffic jams and frequent road accidents over the years.

Long-Standing Demand Finally Met

MLA Bapusaheb Pathare, who had consistently raised the issue in the state assembly and at administrative meetings, hailed the move. “Citizens have suffered for years due to accidents, delays, and daily commuting hassles caused by the poorly implemented BRT system. I believe people should be at the center of all development. This is a major step toward a congestion-free Vadgaonsheri,” he said.

Pathare emphasized that the decision was the result of years of follow-up at multiple administrative levels.

Municipal Action Follows Ajit Pawar’s Orders

Last week (April 9), the Pune Municipal Corporation held a high-level meeting in which it was decided to dismantle the problematic BRT stretches. Following a recommendation by the police department, provisions for U-turns have also been planned to facilitate smoother vehicular movement once the BRT lanes are removed.

The work started after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar directed Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale to address the issue urgently. The BRT stretch from Somnath Nagar Chowk to Kharadi Juna Zakat Naka, spanning around 3 kilometers, is being taken down in phases.

Former MLA Tingre Also Claims Credit

Former MLA Sunil Tingre, who had recently submitted a demand with a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also welcomed the development. “This partial BRT was a major cause of road chaos. I raised the issue in the legislative council and consistently followed up with Deputy CM Ajitdada Pawar. This action is a result of collective political will and administrative response,” Tingre stated.

He added that the municipal administration has assured that after the completion of this phase, the remaining BRT segments will be taken up in subsequent phases.

Relief for Commuters, Business Owners

The decision to dismantle the BRT route has been welcomed by citizens, commuters, and business owners along the Pune-Nagar Road. With the initial phase now underway, traffic movement is expected to improve significantly.

Next Steps: Expansion Plans and Flyover Demands

Looking ahead, Tingre suggested that the upcoming double-storey flyover planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) between Shirur and Wagholi should be extended up to Phoenix Mall in Viman Nagar instead of terminating at Wagholi. He expressed his commitment to pursue this with the central authorities.