People commuting through the DP Road in Pune's Kothrud are facing major traffic jams every day, especially near Vitthal Mandir Chowk during peak hours. Locals alleged that the main reasons behind the menace are unauthorised parking, roadside encroachments and the absence of traffic police on duty during busy hours.
During peak hours in the morning and evening, vehicles get stuck in long queues. People are forced to wait for 20 to 30 minutes on a stretch that should take just five minutes. Footpaths and half the width of the roads are blocked by street vendors, and vehicles are parked outside hotels, lawns and cafes, leading to a narrowing of the road.
Anand Salunke, one of the daily commuters, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “This is not just traffic, it feels like a daily punishment. During peak hours, it is very tough to travel freely. There is no one to control the traffic. Auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers zigzag through the crowd, adding to the chaos.”
Rohit Jadhav, a college student who cycles through the area, said, “There is no proper parking system. People park anywhere, and it becomes very dangerous for people like me who walk or cycle. At the pan tapris and tea stalls, people park for a long time in unauthorised areas. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the traffic police should take action together over the menace.”
A group of commuters speaking to FPJ said, “We have complained many times to the PMC and traffic department regarding illegal parking and encroachment, but no proper action has been taken. Traffic police at the chowk during peak hours are required to curb the menace and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.”
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavli, Senior Police Inspector of the Traffic Division, speaking to FPJ, said, “Traffic police have been instructed and deployed on the particular stretch. Police will definitely visit the spot and take action against traffic violators."
