Barricades, bus stop shift bring partial traffic relief at Sancheti Chowk

Pune: Traffic movement from the CoEP flyover toward JM Road near Sancheti Hospital Chowk has eased somewhat in recent days after the traffic police and civic authorities introduced several corrective measures. Barricades have been installed to streamline vehicle movement at the junction, and two bus stops of Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) that were obstructing traffic have been relocated to ensure smoother flow. No parking signs have also been put up along the entire stretch.During peak hours, traffic personnel are manually managing the junction to maintain steady movement and prevent congestion. Authorities are also working to limit the entry of heavy vehicles during peak hours.
Previously, the stretch covering Sancheti Hospital Chowk, CoEP flyover, and Shimla Office Chowk frequently experienced traffic snarls. Regular commuters had been calling for measures to improve the situation, especially near Sancheti Chowk. Amey Gosavi, who often travels through the area, noted that traffic speed has improved to some extent between the flyover and JM Road. "Constant movement of buses and heavy vehicles earlier slowed traffic, but the new barricades now prevent larger vehicles from switching lanes at the junction," Gosavi said. Commuters, however, said rush-hour travel remains a challenge despite the improvements.Hrishi Yadav, who travels daily on the CoEP flyover, suggested that proper lane markings are needed to minimise confusion. "Vehicles exiting the flyover head in three different directions, and frequent lane changes create traffic chaos. The administration should instal direction boards to guide motorists toward Deccan Gymkhana, Shivaji Road, and Shimla office Chowk," Yadav said. Commuters have also called for stricter action against autorickshaws and private vehicles that stop along the road and block a lane. Some have even proposed narrowing the footpath to create additional carriageway.Traffic police officials said they are monitoring vehicle flow closely at the CoEP flyover and along the JM Road stretch. "We have deployed wardens at the junction to regulate movement. We have also curtailed roadside parking that obstructed traffic flow," a traffic department official said.