Pune: Unofficial Bus Stops In Chinchwad Trigger Concerns Amongst Passengers

Chinchwad, 27th November 2023: Commuters in Chinchwad are facing significant challenges due to the lack of designated bus stops and insufficient infrastructure of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML). Express buses departing from Nigdi are reportedly not reaching Power House Chowk (Morya Hospital) in Chinchwad Gaon, causing inconvenience for passengers travelling along this route.

The absence of an official bus stop at Power House Chowk has led to buses stopping under the flyover near Mandai, creating an ‘unofficial’ stop on the road. Passengers, including women, girls, students, and senior citizens, are forced to wait on the sidewalk, and buses parked on the road contribute to traffic congestion.

Nishikant Deshpande, a passenger, expressed concern, stating that the current setup leads to chaos, and passengers often have to rush to catch buses. Yogesh Patil highlighted that buses coming via Dange Chowk used to reach the last stop at Power House Chowk (Morya Hospital) in Chinchwad Gaon. However, for the past year, these buses have been stopping on the road under the flyover, causing unnecessary traffic jams and inconvenience for passengers.

Chhaya Bhalerao pointed out issues with the current bus stop on Khandoba Mandir Road, stating that it is primarily used for ferries to SKF Company. The narrow road leads to traffic troubles due to buses, private vehicles, and company traffic. Suggestions were made to reconsider stopping the last bus at Power House Chowk (Morya Hospital) in Chinchwad Gaon to save time and avoid unnecessary congestion.

Swapnil Devsthali raised concerns about the prolonged use of temporary solutions, such as buses being released from Khandoba Mandir Road, despite ongoing road construction at Chaphekar Chowk and Power House Chowk (Morya Hospital) in Chinchwadgaon.

Avinash Donge highlighted the significance of Chapekar Chowk as a main square for traffic going to various destinations, including Mandai, Peths, Chinchwad Gaon, Bijlinagar, Khandoba Mandir, Chinchwad Railway Station, Dange Chowk, Walhekarwadi, Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass. The continued practice of stopping buses on the road without proper infrastructure raises questions about the appropriateness of this arrangement, especially given the presence of hospitals and ambulances in the area.

Commuters and residents are urging authorities to address these concerns promptly, emphasizing the need for designated bus stops and improved infrastructure to enhance the commuting experience in Chinchwad.