PMC Elections 2026: Lahu Balwadkar Unveils Traffic and Road Development Roadmap for Baner, Balewadi Areas
Baner, 11th January 2026: With traffic congestion emerging as the most pressing civic issue in Baner, Balewadi, Pashan and the Sus–Mahalunge belt, the Bharatiya Janata Party has placed mobility and road infrastructure at the centre of its campaign in Pune Municipal Corporation Ward No. 9. BJP candidate Lahu Balwadkar has released a detailed traffic and road development roadmap, stating that development must be visible on the ground and not remain limited to policy documents.
Balwadkar said rapid population growth, a sharp rise in the number of vehicles and incomplete road infrastructure have made traffic congestion a daily challenge for residents in the ward. He stressed that addressing this issue through time-bound and practical solutions would be a priority rather than an election promise.
Boost to Public Transport Through ‘Das Mein Bus’
To reduce dependence on private vehicles, Balwadkar has proposed the implementation of the ‘Das Mein Bus’ scheme in the ward. Under the plan, commuters would be able to travel up to 10 kilometres for ₹10. BJP leaders claim this will encourage the use of public transport, ease congestion on arterial roads and help curb air pollution in the rapidly urbanising area.
Underpasses and Wider Roads for Baner–Balewadi
As part of the road infrastructure plan, three new underpasses using pre-cast technology have been proposed at key junctions including Bitwise Chowk, Mercedes Chowk and the MITCON area to improve traffic flow in Baner and Balewadi. The roadmap also includes the construction of a 30-metre-wide road from Jupiter Hospital to Laxmi Mata Temple, completion of pending work on the Dasara Chowk–Sadanand Residency Road, fast-tracking the Balewadi–Kaspate Vasti missing link, and securing funds for the service road between Punawale and Chandani Chowk.
Planned Parking Zones to Ease Roadside Congestion
To tackle roadside parking and reduce bottlenecks, the BJP candidate has proposed the development of organised P1 and P2 parking zones across the ward. Parking facilities will be created in amenity spaces along major roads, which, according to the plan, will help control unauthorised parking and free up carriageways for smoother traffic movement.
Separate Traffic Plan for Sus–Pashan Belt
A dedicated traffic management plan has also been outlined for the Sus–Pashan corridor. Key measures include immediate widening of the Sus Ghat service road with a one-way traffic system, widening of footpaths along main and service roads, installation of smart traffic signals between Sus Bridge and Ravinagar, strict action against illegal parking on Sus Road, and the creation of P1–P2 parking zones. The plan further proposes a network of durable concrete roads in areas such as Pashan, Sutarwadi and Someshwarwadi.
BJP leaders said the roadmap presented by Balwadkar focuses on execution rather than announcements and is aimed at delivering long-term relief from traffic congestion in Ward 9. With mobility, road connectivity and urban infrastructure taking centre stage, the election in the ward is increasingly being viewed as a crucial test of governance priorities affecting everyday civic life.
