The road ahead: Solutions for sustainable transport in Pune

Completing the road network

One of the ITIP’s key recommendations is the acquisition and development of missing road links. Pune’s fragmented road network is marked by 678 critical missing links, totalling 460 km. Addressing these gaps will create alternative routes, reducing dependence on a few overloaded arterial roads.

Additionally, the construction of inner and outer ring roads is essential to divert through-traffic from the city centre. These ring roads will decongest radial routes and enhance regional connectivity, fostering balanced traffic distribution across the metropolitan area.

Enhancing public transport integration

The ITIP underscores the importance of improving Pune’s metro system and bus services to create a cohesive public transport network. The focus should be on:

• Metro integration: Accelerating metro line expansions and ensuring integration with feeder services like electric rickshaws and shared mobility options.
• Bus augmentation: Adding more buses to the city’s fleet and improving reliability through dedicated lanes on arterial roads.
• Unified ticketing systems: Implementing smart card systems for seamless payment across all public transport modes.

Such measures will make public transport more accessible, efficient, and appealing to a larger section of the population, reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Addressing traffic bottlenecks

Pune’s congestion hotspots are primarily caused by bottlenecks at junctions and narrow roads with insufficient capacity. The ITIP identifies 75 critical bottlenecks that must be addressed through targeted interventions such as:

• Junction redesign: Expanding and redesigning key intersections to improve traffic flow.
• Road widening: Expanding sub-arterial and arterial roads where feasible to handle higher traffic volumes.
• Flyovers and underpasses: Constructing grade separators to bypass high-traffic intersections, particularly at critical bottleneck locations such as Katraj and Baner.

Encouraging behavioural shifts

Reducing reliance on private vehicles is key to sustainable urban transport. Policy measures can incentivise greener choices:

• Flexible timings: Adjusting school and office timings can distribute peak-hour traffic loads more evenly across the day.
• Carpooling incentives: Encouraging high-occupancy vehicle use through priority lanes and reduced tolls can further curb single-occupancy car trips.
• Vehicle-free zones and offices: Designating vehicle-free spaces and encouraging establishments to adopt car-free policies can reduce congestion and promote public transport.

Improving road quality and maintenance

Good roads are fundamental to efficient mobility. The ITIP emphasises low-cost, quick-impact solutions such as:

• Pothole repairs and resurfacing: Regular maintenance of arterial roads to ensure smooth and faster travel.
• Drainage upgrades: Clearing waterlogging-prone areas to prevent disruptions during the monsoon season.
• Enhanced road markings and signage: Introducing synchronised traffic signals, clear lane markings, and illuminated signboards to enhance safety and navigation.

Such measures can significantly increase road capacity without large-scale infrastructure changes.

Managing demand for private vehicles

The ITIP highlights the importance of restraining private-vehicle use to balance the transport system. Pune can adopt several demand management strategies:

• On-street parking charges: Introducing dynamic pricing for parking spaces to discourage long-term parking on busy streets.
• Congestion charges: Charging vehicles entering high-traffic zones during peak hours.
• Carpooling incentives: Offering priority lanes or reduced toll charges for high-occupancy vehicles.

These measures not only reduce road congestion but also encourage a shift towards sustainable travel behaviour.

Leveraging technology for traffic management

Smart solutions can make Pune’s transport system more responsive and efficient. The ITIP outlines several tech-based initiatives:

• Traffic monitoring systems: Using AI-powered cameras and sensors to track traffic flows and identify congestion in real time.
• Synchronised signals: Introducing intelligent traffic lights that adapt to changing traffic volumes.
• Mobile applications: Launching apps for commuters to plan routes, track buses or metros, and report road issues.

These interventions can optimise existing infrastructure and improve user experience without requiring significant capital expenditure.

Long-term sustainable solutions

While quick fixes are necessary, Pune must also invest in long-term infrastructure projects. The ITIP highlights several transformative proposals, including:

• Riverside roads: Constructing parallel roads along rivers to provide alternative routes.
• Flyovers and tunnels: Building elevated roads and tunnels at critical stretches to handle future traffic demands.
• Transit-oriented development: Encouraging mixed-use development near metro and bus stations to reduce commuting distances and reliance on vehicles.

A collective effort for change needed in 2025

The solutions outlined in the ITIP require the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), traffic police, and state government. Equally important is public participation. Residents must adopt sustainable travel habits, such as carpooling and using public transport, for these efforts to succeed.

As Nelson Mandela once said: “Action without vision is only passing time. Vision without action is merely daydreaming, but vision with action can change the world.” Pune’s traffic challenges call for action grounded in a clear, long-term vision, and the ITIP provides a framework to turn this vision into reality.

Building a city for the future

Pune stands at a defining moment in its urban journey. By implementing the solutions outlined in the ITIP — focusing on road network completion, public transport integration, and technological innovation — the city can transform its mobility landscape. The road ahead will be challenging, but with bold decisions and collective will, Pune can lead India’s cities towards a more sustainable and efficient future.

Sudhir Mehta is founder & chairman, EKA Mobility & Pinnacle Industries Limited, while Manoj Patil is additional commissioner of police, Pune.