Traffic Congestion on Pune-Satara Road Due to Poor Road Conditions

Pune/Satara, 21st December 2024: Traffic congestion has severely affected the Pune-Satara section of the Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway due to deteriorating road conditions, leading to long queues of vehicles. The situation is particularly noticeable near the Khed-Shivapur Toll Plaza, where vehicles are lined up for nearly four to five kilometres. This heavy traffic is also disrupting the flow of vehicles heading towards Satara from Pune.

The ongoing traffic jam has been exacerbated by the holiday rush, as people are travelling to their hometowns for the extended Christmas and New Year break. Many commuters are facing significant delays due to the heavy traffic congestion on the roads, leading to frustration.

In addition to the Pune-Satara section congestion, similar traffic jams are reported on the Pune-Ahilyanagar Highway near Ranjangaon, where long vehicle lines have also been observed. Furthermore, traffic is moving slowly on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway near Lonavala due to heavy fog and a high volume of vehicles, further contributing to the delays.

To avoid the traffic jams on the Pune-Satara Road, motorists are advised to consider alternative routes:

1. Katraj Dehu Road Bypass: Instead of using the Katraj Ghat, opt for the Katraj Bypass, which offers a faster route with less traffic.
2. Sinhgad Road: Take Sinhgad Road via Khadakwasla to reach Nasrapur. While this route is longer, traffic is comparatively lighter.
3. Vadgaon-Nasrapur Road: The Vadgaon-Nasrapur road can be used as an alternative route. It connects to Sinhagad Road and Dhayari, providing an option to bypass the congestion.
4. Bhor: The route via Bhor to Satara is another option. Though the road is narrow and hilly, the reduced traffic makes for a more comfortable journey.
5. MSRDC Local Routes: Consider using smaller local routes developed by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) as an alternative, which may provide a quicker option for connecting highways.

Travellers are advised to plan their trips accordingly and stay updated on traffic conditions.