Massive Traffic Gridlock Paralyzes Baner-Balewadi Area in Pune; Citizens Demand Immediate Action
Baner, 25th July 2025: A massive traffic gridlock brought the Baner-Balewadi stretch to a standstill on Friday morning, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. The snarls, which began around 9 AM, extended well into the afternoon, affecting major roads including Radha Chowk, NH-48, Baner Road, and the arterial lanes leading to Hinjawadi, Pashan, and Mhalunge.
Vehicles barely inched forward as frustrated motorists reported spending over an hour to cover less than a kilometre. Commuters said the traffic mess was worsened by uncoordinated infrastructure work, incomplete roads, and poor planning.
“It was a nightmare,” said IT professional Abhijeet Golkar, who was stuck for nearly an hour to cover just 500 metres from near the Skoda showroom to the Yuthika building. “Had I walked, it would’ve taken me seven minutes. But it was raining and I had to drop my child, so I took the car. I felt absolutely helpless,” he said.
Nikhil Pawar, a resident of Baner, shared on social media: “Took two hours just to drop my child to school via Radha Chowk. Total chaos—zero traffic management and crumbling infrastructure.”
The chaos extended to service roads and bypasses. A user named Prashant Konde highlighted the dire situation near Bhumkar Chowk on NH-48. “Ambulances were stuck because three lanes of traffic and two service roads merge onto a narrow two-lane bridge over the Mula river. NHAI must coordinate with traffic police before carrying out such repair work. We need traffic wardens at key junctions,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Frequent commuter Suyog Choure echoed the growing frustration, saying, “The congestion near Orchid Hotel, Baner, is a regular problem. Authorities need to act now.”
Locals also blamed the ongoing Metro construction for shrinking usable road space. Sarang Wable, a resident of Balewadi, said, “We raised these issues with the chief minister and our MLA. We’re not asking for new projects—just essentials like fixing potholes, clearing debris, removing encroachments, and maintaining roads. Even broken drainage covers aren’t replaced.”
By the time traffic police reached Radha Chowk, the situation had worsened significantly. An on-ground officer said, “Illegally parked vehicles in Mhalunge gaon started the backflow of traffic, which then blocked Radha Chowk and extended to Pashan highway.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav admitted the congestion was worsened by rain and resource limitations. “During rainfall, traffic slows to below 20 kmph, which reduces the throughput of vehicles. On Friday, a complete standstill began in Mhalunge and then affected Radha Chowk. We are short on manpower but are actively working on both long-term and immediate traffic solutions,” he said.
