Divisional commissioner calls for immediate measures to tackle traffic congestion in PUMTA meeting

Pune: Divisional commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale on Thursday directed the authorities to prioritise immediate measures to ease traffic congestion across Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and the Pune Metropolitan Region, while simultaneously expediting long-term mobility projects.Chairing a review meeting of the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA), Teli-Ugale said major projects such as the proposed underground tunnel network, the high capacity mass transit route (HCMTR) and the inner ring road have received approval for formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV). However, given the time required for planning, design and preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), efforts must be accelerated to move these projects forward.She said the authorities should focus on maximising the use and capacity of existing transport infrastructure until large projects are implemented. To identify short-term solutions, she directed the formation of a sub-committee comprising representatives from civic bodies, traffic police, railways, Maha Metro, PMPML, MSRTC and the transport department. The panel will submit its recommendations at the next PUMTA meeting.Teli-Ugale also stressed the need for better last-mile connectivity to boost use of Metro and railway services. Adequate PMPML bus services and autorickshaw facilities should be made available at stations to help commuters reach their destinations seamlessly, she said.Maha Metro managing director Shravan Hardikar, who attended the meeting virtually, said the proposed tunnel network should not be restricted to private vehicles and must allow public transport vehicles, which would help improve traffic flow and encourage greater use of mass transit.PMRDA commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari said traffic bottlenecks and congestion-prone stretches should be prioritised while planning mobility projects. He also called for coordinated planning among Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and PMRDA to ensure an integrated transport network across the metropolitan region.Additional commissioner of police Manoj Patil, who made a presentation on traffic management, said sharing traffic-related data among implementing agencies would help the authorities devise more effective congestion-mitigation measures.Railway officials informed PUMPTA officials that six new platforms have been proposed at Pune railway station, while the length of the existing six platforms will be increased to enhance rail capacity.The meeting was attended by senior officials from PMRDA, PMC, NHAI, PCMC, railways, MSRTC, PMPML, MIDC and other transport and planning agencies.