Pune: DCP Traffic Says PMC Must Provide Parking to End Hadapsar’s Illegal Parking Menace

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Hadapsar, 13th August 2025: Illegal parking has become a daily ordeal for residents and commuters in Hadapsar, with key stretches such as Hadapsar–Manjari Road and Gadital Chowk turning into persistent traffic choke points. Vehicles parked haphazardly along roads and on footpaths are obstructing traffic, posing safety risks, and causing mounting frustration among pedestrians and motorists.

The situation is at its worst during peak morning and evening hours, when narrow stretches turn into bottlenecks. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers parked on both sides of the road leave only a narrow passage for moving vehicles, leading to traffic jams lasting 20–30 minutes.

Residents say the absence of designated parking facilities is a major contributor to the problem. With no proper parking lots in the vicinity, many drivers park wherever space is available — even if it means blocking pedestrian walkways.

“Every day is a struggle. Footpaths are taken over by parked bikes, and the roads are half blocked by cars. We are forced to walk on the main road, which is unsafe,” said Priya Patil, a commuter who regularly uses Hadapsar–Manjari Road.

Local shop owners share the frustration, claiming that poor traffic management is hurting business. “Customers avoid coming here because they know they’ll get stuck in traffic,” said a store owner near Gadital Chowk.

Experts warn that illegal parking is not merely an inconvenience but a serious safety hazard. Blocked sightlines at junctions increase the risk of accidents, especially involving schoolchildren and elderly pedestrians.

Residents have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the traffic police to take firm action. Their demands include stricter enforcement of parking regulations, heavier fines for offenders, and the creation of structured parking solutions such as multi-level parking lots.

When contacted, DCP (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav told Punekar News:
“If the PMC provides adequate parking facilities, people will not park their vehicles on the road, and illegal parking will not occur. Our goal is to manage and control traffic — not to fine people unnecessarily. Unfortunately, the public often blames us alone, but the issue of illegal roadside stalls is also the responsibility of the PMC. If proper parking is available, we will not have to tow vehicles. We are here to ensure smooth traffic flow, not to trouble citizens.”

Until significant measures are implemented, locals fear Hadapsar’s traffic chaos will only intensify, making daily commutes more difficult and dangerous.