PMRDA cracks whip to ease traffic on highways

Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state PWD are carrying out a drive against unauthorised constructions along key arterial roads in the district to improve traffic movement. The exercise targets illegal shops, tin sheds, RCC structures, boundary walls and hoardings along Pune-Nagar, Pune-Satara, Pune-Solapur, Mulshi-Paud and Chandani Chowk-Pirangut streches of state and nationl highways. In the last one week, authorities demolished 525 structures in areas such as Wagholi, Kesnand-Awhalwadi, Katkewadi-Lonikand up to Perne phata and Laxmi Chowk at Hinjewadi along Pune-Nagar road."We initiated action within eight days of identifying problematic spots," PMRDA joint commissioner and deputy collector Deepti Suryavanshi-Patil said on Saturday. "The highways authorities conducted detailed measurements before issuing notices. Wagholi police provided security during the operation, while the Pune Municipal Corporation assisted with removal of debris."Last month, approximately 22 structures were demolished near Navale bridge along the Pune-Satara highway. Joint surveys by NHAI and PMRDA are ongoing to identify more encroachments on other stretches.The initiative follows deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's directive to address mounting traffic concerns in Pune district. A PMRDA official said, "We got feedback of less congestion along Nagar road after the exercised concluded.'' However, local commuters are sceptical about long-term success. "Unless there is continuous monitoring, these unauthorised constructions will return," said Palak Rakh, who regularly takes Nagar road. "Strict enforcement is essential." Soham Shah, who travels to Satara every day, said these drives were temporary and these structures would come back with political support.PMRDA officials said they would continuously monitor these stretches. Last year NHAI issued notices to commercial establishments that had eaten into the Pune-Satara highway. A senior NHAI official, requesting anonymity, said such encroachments not only obstructed traffic but also increased accident risks.