Did You Know? Over 9 Lakh Vehicles Were Added to Pune in Last 4 Years, Bringing the Total to Over 72 Lakh?

Time and once again, Punekars have actually been highlighting different concerns resulting in traffic jam in the city. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Pune places 7th around the world and second in India, with an ordinary traveling time of 27 mins and 50 secs to cover a range of 10 kilometres.

Activists and homeowners indicate enhancing automotive numbers, widespread infringement, and bad framework as vital factors to the continuous web traffic problem.

Over 9 Lakh Vehicles Were Added to Pune

Meanwhile, current information from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) exposes that 9,45,765 brand-new cars have actually been signed up in Pune over the previous 4 years. This consists of 1,68,215 cars in 2020, 2,54,623 in 2021, 2,93,138 in 2023, and 2,29,789 by mid-October 2024. In complete, Pune has actually seen the enrollment of 39,29,580 cars by October 2024.

However, authorities approximate that around 72 lakh cars layer on the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad roadways, virtually matching the city’s populace.

Residents and lobbyists speak out

Jugal Rathi, an energetic participant of Pune Cycle Pratisthan, talking to the Free Press Journal claimed, “There should be some cap on upcoming motor vehicles. Authorities need to analyze the width and density of the road according to the size of the vehicles allowed to travel on that particular road. There should be some slot and road blocks during peak hours. Moreover, NMT (Non Motorised Transport) should be our priority, and the government needs to promote it among the public. We have a budget for creating cycle tracks but not for maintaining them; that is the problem.”

Raj Gaikwad, a local of Dhankawadi, talking to the Free Press Journal claimed, “We have been residing in Pune for the last 35 years. Earlier, from Pune Railway Station to Dhankawadi, it took 20 minutes to go, but now the situation is horrific, and we are forced to spend at least one and a half hours reaching home. Seven Loves Chowk, Nana Peth, Gultekdi Chowk, City Pride, and Swargate are some major spots where commuters face regular traffic jams. The regional transport office should have allowed registration only to those who have parking space; otherwise, not. People buy vehicles and park them on the road.”

Potholes, poor roadways contribute to concerns

Mrunal Balsane, a traveler, claimed, “Along with the motor vehicles, encroachment is another major cause of traffic congestion in the city. Due to the negligence of the PMC encroachment department, illegal stalls and hathgadis are installed in unauthorized areas, leading to severe traffic problems. Due to the involvement of local politicians, the enforcement department has failed to take action. Shops on the main road provide their front space to hawkers to install illegal shops, taking huge rents from them. Authorities should take strict action against the defaulters.”

Paresh Singwe, a traveler and local of Katraj, talking to The Free Press Journal, revealed, “If the PMC and traffic department work together properly, 80 percent of the issues will be solved. Potholes, bad roads, and areas encroached come under the PMC department and should be resolved. Similarly, the traffic department; Pune police do not have enough traffic police personnel. Due to their absence at prominent chowks, people break the rules, and heavy vehicles entering the city lead to traffic issues. People can see the potholes on the road, but the PMC has turned blind in such situations.”