Pune: Traffic Congestion, Noise Pollution Plague Wakdewadi ST Bus Stand Vicinity; Residents Demand Action

Wakdewadi, 30th March 2025: Residents living near the Wakdewadi State Transport (ST) bus stand are facing severe inconvenience due to round-the-clock loudspeaker announcements. The constant noise has become a major nuisance, disturbing students, senior citizens, and other residents, affecting their sleep and overall well-being.

In addition to the noise pollution, the residents are also grappling with issues such as traffic congestion, illegal parking, makeshift food stalls, and poor sanitation around the bus stand premises.

The Shivajinagar ST bus stand was temporarily relocated to Wakdewadi six years ago for renovation work. However, despite the passage of time, the bus stand has not been shifted back to its original location. Since then, the once-serene locality has turned into a chaotic zone, residents claim.

The area around the bus stand has over 150 residential societies, with a population of more than 2,000 people. On average, around 700 buses operate from the stand daily, catering to over 15,000 passengers. To manage the crowd, ST officials make frequent announcements over loudspeakers throughout the day and night, leaving nearby residents sleep-deprived.

Despite repeated complaints to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the ST bus stand administration, and the police, no concrete action has been taken to address the issue, residents lament.

Locals recall that six to seven years ago, the area was calm and surrounded by greenery. However, the continuous loudspeaker announcements and vehicular noise have stripped the neighborhood of its tranquility. The incessant blaring of announcements disrupts both day and night routines, making it difficult for people to sleep.

Besides the noise locals pointed out that traffic congestion has become a major concern. Two-wheelers parked illegally are occasionally towed away by authorities, but four-wheelers remain untouched, creating further chaos. The stretch from the Reshim Udyog Kendra to the Bajaj showroom is now encroached upon by private buses, worsening the parking crisis.

ST officials have assured that measures will be taken to reduce the loudspeaker volume, especially during nighttime, to minimize the inconvenience caused to residents. Additionally, they have stated to collaborate with the traffic police to implement measures aimed at easing congestion around the bus stand.