Pune: After Years of Criticism, PMC May Dismantle Nagar Road BRTS Stretch
Viman Nagar, 10th April 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is exploring the possibility of removing the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor along Nagar Road, particularly the stretch from Somnathnagar to Kharadi, amid mounting concerns over traffic congestion and public safety.
While a final decision is pending, officials from the civic body’s road department confirmed that a detailed action plan is currently in the works. Coordination meetings with the city’s traffic police and other stakeholders are ongoing to assess the feasibility and consequences of dismantling the dedicated BRTS lane.
“The discussion is at a preliminary stage. Once we receive input from relevant departments, we will present the proposal to the municipal commissioner for further directions,” said a senior PMC road department official.
The issue gained momentum following a recent meeting chaired by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Former MLA Sunil Tingre, who represented the Nagar Road area, was present at the meeting and said multiple traffic-related challenges in the eastern suburbs were brought to the table—including the impact of the BRTS corridor.
“During the meeting, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar instructed the PMC officials to assess the situation and prepare a roadmap for BRTS lane removal,” Tingre said. “We are waiting for the administration to take the necessary steps.”
The BRTS initiative on Nagar Road has faced criticism over the years for its flawed design and implementation. Local commuters have long argued that the dedicated bus lane often contributes to traffic snarls and has even been linked to accidents due to unclear demarcations and abrupt turns.
The civic body has already begun dismantling the BRTS system in phases. Around 2.5 km of the corridor—up to Somnathnagar Chowk—has already been removed, but the stretch extending to the Kharadi octroi post still remains operational.
Residents have voiced mixed reactions to the proposed dismantling. A resident of Chandannagar pointed to the upcoming infrastructure projects in the area. “With multiple roadworks and development projects in the pipeline, it’s crucial to evaluate whether the existing BRTS lane will help or hinder traffic movement. The priority should be ensuring smooth traffic flow,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, another resident from Ramwadi said the removal of BRTS on certain stretches hasn’t negatively impacted vehicle movement. “Traffic has continued to move steadily even after the BRTS was removed in some parts. Before extending the removal till Kharadi, the administration should study the actual impact carefully,” she suggested.
As deliberations continue, the PMC has not yet set a timeline for the decision. Meanwhile, officials say they are weighing both sides of the debate—some departments continue to support the BRTS for its long-term vision, while others push for its removal citing practical challenges.
