As traffic situation worsens in Pune city, police urge PMC to open up BRTS lane

Pune city police have made the suggestion to PMC as part of easing the traffic chaos. The ongoing works pertaining to BRTS, Metro rail, flyovers, etc have narrowed the carriage width of the existing roads.

BRT corridors in Pune city will soon be open all vehicles to ease traffic movement (Representational,file)

Pune City Police has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to open the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lane for all vehicles to reduce congestion on roads, instead of only allowing PMPML buses.

The traffic situation in the city has worsened in the last few months and the authorities concerned have come under sharp criticism over it.

The PMC has already set up BRTS on a few main roads of the city and is also constructing flyovers, underpasses, subways and grade separators across the city. The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro) is constructing two corridors of Pune Metro rail and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The National Highways Authority of India is also

constructing a flyover at Chandni Chowk and widening the road from Navale bridge to Katraj junction.

The multiple projects across the city have hit traffic movement while the condition of roads has deteriorated during the monsoon, leading to serious traffic chaos on almost all city roads.

After facing criticism over the traffic situation, the PMC urged city police to ban heavy vehicles in the city and improve traffic management.

“The immediate solution to traffic chaos is better traffic management and banning heavy vehicles in the city,” said a civic officer.

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Meanwhile, NCP legislator from Vadgaonsheri, Sunil Tingre, urged the PMC to open up the BRTS lane in the city for all vehicles to ease the traffic situation.

“The Ahmednagar Road in Vadgaonsheri is facing serious traffic issues. Work on Pune Metro is also going on. It is necessary to open the BRTS lane for all vehicles…,” he said.

The PMC officer said the city police has also reached out to PMC with the same demand of opening up the BRTS lane for all vehicles to reduce traffic chaos.

“The PMPML uses the BRTS, so it has immediately responded to the PMC, urging it not to open the lane for all vehicles. The transport utility has said only state transport buses, ambulances, fire vehicles and school buses should use it,”said the official.

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The PMC is soon going to hold a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the issue, said the officer.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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