Pune: Minister Chandrakant Patil Chairs Crucial Meeting to Address Traffic Congestion and Encroachment in Baner-Balewadi and Kothrud Area

Pune July 12, 2025: In a decisive move to address mounting public grievances, Minister Chandrakant Patil chaired a high-level meeting to tackle chronic traffic mismanagement, infrastructure deficiencies, and civic issues plaguing Pune’s Baner-Balewadi and Kothrud areas. The meeting, attended by top officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Traffic Police, NHAI, and PMRDA, focused on immediate corrective measures ahead of the festive season.

Citizens Highlight Critical Traffic and Infrastructure Issues

Residents raised urgent concerns about chaotic traffic conditions at key junctions, including:

• Jupiter Chowk, Ganpati Mandir Chowk, Dussehra Chowk, and Mamata Chowk – Poor signal synchronization causing snarls
• CM International School and Sai Chowk – Lack of traffic wardens leading to unchecked violations
• Radha Chowk – Illegal encroachments narrowing roads
• Nanavare Bridge – Persistent waterlogging disrupting movement

Additional complaints included stalled roadwork, overflowing drains beneath metro bridges, overgrown trees obstructing pathways, and the nuisance of liquor shops near residential zones. Locals also demanded new bus stops, footpath repairs, and upgraded drainage systems.

Key Decisions and Directives

1. Traffic Management:
   • 50 new traffic wardens to be deployed in Kothrud to ease congestion.
   • Strict enforcement against reckless driving near MIT College and illegal parking.
   • Bi-weekly reviews of traffic interventions to ensure effectiveness.
2. Infrastructure Upgrades:
   • NHAI ordered to expedite the long-delayed Sadanand Residency Hotel underpass, with Minister Patil demanding completion on a “war footing.”
   • PMC directed to repair waterlogged zones, including Nanavare Bridge, and clear encroachments from footpaths.
   • New substations and drainage fixes prioritized near metro corridors.
3. Anti-Encroachment Drives:
   • Zero-tolerance policy against vendors and structures blocking roads.
   • Liquor shop relocations planned near sensitive areas like schools.

Officials and Public Representatives Rally for Solutions

The meeting saw participation from:

• Administrators: PMC Chief Engineer Prashant Waghmare, NHAI’s Sanjay Kadam, Traffic DCP Himmat Jadhav.
• BJP Leaders: Kothrud North Mandal President Lahu Balwadkar, Ganesh Kalamkar, and local society representatives.
• Citizen Groups: Delegates from Pashan, Someshwarwadi, and Mahalunge highlighted grassroots issues.

Next Steps

• 15-day deadline for initial improvements at critical chowks.
• Inter-departmental task force to monitor progress.
• Public grievance portal to streamline complaints.

Minister Patil warned of accountability lapses, stating, “Delays won’t be tolerated. Pune’s growth must match its citizens’ needs.”