Pune: Nagar Road Citizens Flag Safety Hazards, Slam Incomplete BRTS Removal and Pedestrian Neglect

Viman Nagar, 31st May 2025: The Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum (ANRCF) has raised alarm over what it calls “hazardous and chaotic” traffic conditions on the 7-km stretch of Nagar Road in Pune, accusing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Traffic Police of negligence, poor planning, and lack of urgency in addressing critical safety and mobility issues.

ANRCF Convenor Qaneez Sukhrani said that citizens’ repeated efforts to engage with authorities over the last two months have been met with apathy, even as the situation on Nagar Road has deteriorated further.

“Our patience has run out. The removal of BRTS infrastructure has been half-baked and dangerous. Bus shelters, railings, and walls still remain in several locations, creating unnecessary grief for road users,” Sukhrani said.

Citizens List 15 Urgent Demands for Nagar Road Safety
The Forum has listed 15 specific demands to address what they describe as “urgent systemic failures” by PMC and the Traffic Police:
Complete removal of the BRTS corridor, including all remaining shelters, walls, and railings, which currently obstruct traffic flow and pose hazards.
Reconstruction of central dividers to at least 3 feet in height to prevent pedestrian crossings at unsafe spots.
Improved traffic space utilization, arguing that the partially removed BRTS corridor is eating up space needed for mainstream traffic.
Restoration of safe pedestrian crossings, which disappeared after the signal-free road concept was introduced.
Warden-assisted, at-grade pedestrian crossings at key intersections where signals have been removed.
Gaps in the divider for pedestrian-only crossings, narrow enough to block two-wheelers but wide enough for walkers.
Review of the signal-free U-turn model, with citizens claiming the frequent U-turns and removal of signals have worsened the situation.
Installation of visible blinkers and barricades at U-turn points to prevent night-time accidents.
Safer merging points for vehicles rejoining mainstream traffic after U-turns.
Large visible signage directing high-speed traffic to slow down near U-turns.
Better planning of U-turn frequency and detour lengths to avoid unnecessary travel.
Reopening of the Shastrinagar intersection, which residents say was closed without any expert study and has backfired.
Expedited completion of culvert work near Shree Hospital, which has dragged on for over two months and narrowed road width dangerously.
Signage and traffic cops at key conflict points such as the Kharadi turn, which currently lacks basic instructions or presence.
Installation of IRC-approved speed breakers and rumbler strips at merging zones to ensure smooth integration of turning traffic.

“Pedestrian safety has been entirely ignored. The signal-free concept may work on highways, but not in urban areas like Nagar Road, which has a high density of residential pockets,” Sukhrani stated.

‘Not Congestion-Free’: Citizens Reject Official Narrative
Countering claims by the Traffic Police that Nagar Road is now “congestion-free,” the citizens’ forum highlighted specific junctions — such as Kalyani Nagar Loop Road and Kharadi turn — where traffic chaos continues, compounded by lack of signage, lane discipline, and enforcement.

“After culvert barricades near Shree Hospital, traffic from Kalyani Nagar and Nagar Road converges into a chaotic scissor crossover with no traffic cops in sight. It becomes a war zone,” Sukhrani added.

Call for Immediate Coordination Between PMC and Police
The Forum has urged immediate coordination between PMC and the Traffic Police, with strict deadlines and accountability mechanisms to implement the proposed changes.

“Authorities must remember that cities are for people — not just vehicles. Prioritising pedestrian safety over vehicular decongestion is non-negotiable,” Sukhrani said.