Pune’s Traffic Nightmare: Katraj-Gangadham Chowk to Shatrunjaya Mandir Road in Crisis
Katraj, 14th February 2024: The Katraj-Gangadham Chowk to Shree Shatrunjay Bhaktamar Jain Temple road has become synonymous with traffic snarls, encroachments, and potholes, posing significant challenges for motorists and residents alike. Serving as a crucial link between Pune city and South Pune, Saswad, Katraj, Kondhwa, and Yewalewadi, the deteriorating state of the road has sparked widespread concern among commuters.
Encroachments along the road, coupled with potholes resulting from adverse weather conditions, worsen traffic congestion, particularly around Aai Mata Mandir and Veer Baji Pasalkar Chowk (VIIT) Chowk. Residents from neighbouring areas, including Shanti Nagar, Gokul Nagar, Sukhsagar Nagar, Sai Nagar, and Tilekar Nagar, endure extended travel times and inconvenience due to these traffic bottlenecks.
Veer Baji Pasalkar Chowk (VIIT) Chowk stands out as a major bottleneck, serving as a crucial junction and entrance to Kondhwa. Despite the PMC’s map indicating a 24-meter-wide road, the actual width falls far short of that, hindering smooth traffic flow. The presence of electric poles further compounds congestion, especially near school premises where 1500 to 2000 students navigate through the narrow stretch daily.
Residents express frustration over the road’s deteriorating condition and decry the lack of attention from elected representatives spanning two Lok Sabha and three Vidhan Sabha constituencies.
In response to mounting grievances, Sushil Mohite, Branch Engineer of the Road Department, acknowledges the challenges posed by the narrow road and pledges proactive measures to tackle the issue. Collaborating with landowners to facilitate road widening, Mohite highlights positive progress towards expanding the road by approximately 7 to 8 meters. Moreover, initiatives to remove obstructions such as trees and electric poles are underway, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
