Traffic Chaos at Katraj Chowk on First Day of Traffic Diversion Amidst Flyover Work
Katraj, 4th December 2024: Traffic congestion gripped Katraj Chowk on Tuesday, the first day of a traffic diversion implemented due to ongoing flyover construction work. Commuters faced significant delays as vehicles were rerouted, creating confusion and long queues, particularly for heavy vehicles coming from the Katraj tunnel and heading toward Satara.
The flyover construction at Katraj Chowk involves settlement launching, prompting authorities to announce traffic diversions. Despite an alternative route being designated for heavy vehicles, the absence of clear signage led many drivers to continue using their regular routes, resulting in chaos. Traffic police were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation and redirect vehicles.
The congestion affected various categories of commuters, including officegoers, rickshaw drivers, and vehicles transporting schoolchildren. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses travelling from Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur were also caught in the jam, causing significant delays in schedules and forcing passengers at Swargate station to wait longer for their buses.
The impact of the diversion was felt across multiple routes, including Mantarwadi, Undri, Pisoli, Market Yard, Gangadham, and Hadapsar. Despite efforts by traffic police to implement phased diversions for heavy vehicles, other traffic remained heavily disrupted.
Pramod Nehul, Division Controller of the Pune Division of MSRTC, stated that buses from Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur heading toward Katraj Chowk will now be rerouted. These buses will enter Pune city through the new tunnel via Navale Bridge, Pasalkar Chowk Bridge, and Sinhagad Road to reach Swargate.
The Traffic Police, Transport Department, and MSRTC have issued fresh instructions for drivers to adhere to the alternative routes. However, commuters expressed frustration over the lack of preparation and effective communication, calling for better traffic management measures to prevent further disruptions.
