Pune: Growing Traffic Woes Prompt Protest Warning from MNS in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri, 28th December 2023: Traffic congestion in Pimpri-Chinchwad cities is a significant concern, leading the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to issue a strong warning of protest. Addressing the challenges in the Traffic system is viewed as a collaborative effort between the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the Traffic Branch, essential for effective local administration.

MNS City President Sachin Chikhale emphasized the significance of private passenger transport in the city’s progress, stating that the livelihoods of one to two thousand families in Pimpri-Chinchwad hinge on this business. Despite its essential nature, Chikhale criticized PCMC for neglecting the sector, which not only supports numerous families but is also vital for various small and large businesses.

Chikhale urged PCMC to provide designated spaces for buses to stop to enhance the city’s aesthetics and streamline traffic. Currently, only a truck terminus is available in the city, catering to the needs of truck transporters. The MNS president stressed the need for similar provisions for private bus transporters, asserting that a well-organized system would contribute to the city’s beauty and traffic efficiency.

The traffic congestion, particularly in areas such as Nigdi, Chinchwad, Thergaon, Kalewadi, Navi Sangvi, Nashik Phata, Bhosari, Chikhali, Thermax Chowk, Yamuna Nagar, Kaspate Wasti Wakad, and Walhekarwadi, has been attributed to buses standing on the roads. The plea from those involved in the business is for the PCMC to allocate suitable spaces for buses to prevent such bottlenecks.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad City Travel Association has been actively pursuing a resolution to this issue. Notably, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic Anand Bhoite and Bapu Gaikwad of the BRT Department had identified a potential site in the past. This year, the newly appointed DCP of the traffic branch, Bapu Bangar along with Bapu Gaikwad, are also investigating new locations.

With the impending commencement of metro work in Nigdi, concerns about exacerbating traffic congestion have intensified. Citizens are increasingly eager for a swift and effective solution to alleviate the existing traffic woes.