Traffic Plan Backfires in Wagholi, Causes More Chaos on Pune-Nagar Highway
Wagholi, 7th August 2025: A traffic management experiment on the Pune-Nagar highway in Wagholi backfired this week, increasing congestion instead of easing it. The trial measures, implemented by the transport department over two days, were quickly scrapped after citizens and commuters faced severe delays and long queues stretching over 3–4 km.
To address growing traffic snarls, authorities had banned left turns onto Avhalwadi Road and blocked right turns at the Kesanand phata, rerouting traffic 300 meters ahead. Directional boards were installed, and senior officials including Additional Police Commissioner Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav, and Assistant Police Inspector of Wagholi Traffic Division Dattatray Ligade personally monitored the changes.
However, the new measures worsened the situation. Traffic came to a standstill at major intersections, forcing authorities to revoke the plan within 48 hours and restore the original route structure. Normal traffic flow resumed soon after.
Residents have strongly opposed the trial, demanding long-term solutions instead of short-term fixes. “The roads in Wagholi are too narrow. Such measures are bound to fail,” said a local resident.
Kalpesh Jachak, another resident, pointed out, “The highway is just 24 meters wide. Instead of rerouting traffic, the administration must redesign junctions based on existing traffic patterns.”
Citizens also highlighted the need for road widening, removal of encroachments, crackdown on illegal traffic movement, and reinstating towing services to ease congestion.
Kailash Bawane added, “Efforts should be made within the current traffic framework to prevent further chaos.”
Anil Satav echoed the sentiment: “We are completely against such experiments. The two-day trial itself led to severe jams. Traffic planning should be updated, not abruptly altered.”
Acknowledging the feedback, Assistant Police Inspector Dattatray Ligade said, “The trial measures have been suspended. Further action will be taken based on senior officials’ guidance.”
As one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Pune, Wagholi continues to struggle with poor infrastructure and unplanned urbanization, raising urgent calls for sustainable and citizen-centric traffic solutions.
