Junctions under study for underpasses & flyovers

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will appoint a consultant for better management of traffic-laden junctions across the city. The consultant will study key chowks and suggest options for underpasses or flyovers at these locations. “Commuters have been complaining about traffic jams and other problems. An appropriate solution based on the need for the particular location will be provided,” a senior PMC official said.Three locations have been finalised near Dandekar Bridge and on Nagar Road. Work will be taken up on priority to check the feasibility after which construction may begin. Activists and citizens have their reservations about more flyovers and underpasses. They said the administration should not promote infrastructure that will encourage more private vehicles on the road.“A number of comprehensive mobility plans have been drafted by PMC and Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority with a number of suggestions about decongesting chowks. What purpose is the PMC going to serve by appointing a separate consultant?” Harshad Abhyankar of Save Traffic Pune Movement, said.Sagar Joshi, a Sahakarnagar resident, said the civic administration should promote public transport. A number of initiatives like metro rail have been started for strengthening the mass public transport. The PMC should make sure facilities to access such transport are increased, he added.“Private vehicles should not be out in large numbers. They increase traffic jams and pollution. Facilities like underpasses and flyovers will help to some extent. But as the number of vehicles go up, they will not prove effective,” Rucha Joshi, a resident of Satara Road, said.Civic officials said other efforts are being taken to reduce traffic congestions. Anti-encroachments drives on 45 roads and 153 chowks across the civic areas have been taken up to decongest major roads.