Pune Traffic Sees Relief at CoEP Flyover Junction After Authorities Step In
In a positive development for daily commuters, traffic movement from the College of Engineering Pune (CoEP) flyover toward JM Road near Sancheti Hospital Chowk has shown noticeable improvement in recent days. This change comes after the Pune traffic police and civic authorities rolled out a series of corrective measures aimed at easing congestion in this notoriously busy stretch.
Key Measures Implemented to Streamline Traffic Flow
To address long-standing issues, authorities have installed barricades at the junction to better organize vehicle movement and prevent chaotic lane changes. Additionally, two Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus stops that were previously obstructing traffic have been relocated to facilitate a smoother flow of vehicles. No parking signs have also been prominently displayed along the entire area to discourage illegal halts.
During peak hours, traffic personnel are now manually managing the junction to maintain steady movement and proactively prevent bottlenecks. Efforts are also underway to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles during these high-traffic periods, further aiding in decongestion.
Commuters Report Mixed Results Amid Ongoing Challenges
Previously, the stretch encompassing Sancheti Hospital Chowk, CoEP flyover, and Shimla Office Chowk was frequently plagued by severe traffic snarls, prompting regular calls for intervention from frustrated commuters. Amey Gosavi, a frequent traveler through the area, acknowledged some progress, noting that traffic speed has improved to a certain extent between the flyover and JM Road. "Constant movement of buses and heavy vehicles earlier slowed traffic, but the new barricades now prevent larger vehicles from switching lanes at the junction," Gosavi stated.
However, many commuters emphasize that rush-hour travel remains a significant challenge despite these improvements. Hrishi Yadav, who uses the CoEP flyover daily, highlighted the need for proper lane markings to reduce confusion. "Vehicles exiting the flyover head in three different directions, and frequent lane changes create traffic chaos. The administration should install direction boards to guide motorists toward Deccan Gymkhana, Shivaji Road, and Shimla Office Chowk," Yadav suggested.
Other recommendations from commuters include stricter enforcement against autorickshaws and private vehicles that stop along the road, blocking lanes, and even proposals to narrow footpaths to create additional carriageway space.
Authorities Monitor Situation and Plan Further Actions
Traffic police officials have confirmed they are closely monitoring vehicle flow at the CoEP flyover and along the JM Road stretch. "We have deployed wardens at the junction to regulate movement. We have also curtailed roadside parking that obstructed traffic flow," a traffic department official explained. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to sustaining the improvements and addressing remaining concerns raised by the public.
