The long-pending decision to dismantle the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lane on Vishrantwadi Road in Pune has finally been approved. The civic administration's standing committee gave the green signal, paving the way for the removal of the 4.5km dedicated bus corridor that once defined this busy stretch.
Impact on Traffic
With the development, PMPML's exclusive bus lanes are set to vanish soon, freeing up lanes for general traffic. Commuters will feel the change on the road, but questions about what comes next remain. Elected representatives said traffic would not only remain unaffected but would improve.
"Vishrantwadi Road is wide enough to absorb both private and public vehicles once the BRTS infrastructure is removed. Bus stops will be relocated to the left side of the road, where sufficient space already exists," an elected representative said.
Proposal Review and Approval
The proposal underwent a detailed review by PMC's road department and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) before being brought back to the standing committee for approval. Corporator Suhas Tingre, who has been actively pushing for the move, expressed confidence in the outcome.
"The removal of the dedicated lanes would ease congestion. I urge authorities involved to act quickly in shifting bus stops and related infrastructure," he said. Tingre noted that Vishrantwadi is in the midst of rapid infrastructure development. "With grade separators and flyovers under construction at major junctions like Vishrantwadi and Sangamwadi junctions, the existing BRTS system had become increasingly impractical and inefficient," he added.
Cautious Optimism from Residents
Not everyone is ready to celebrate just yet. Regular commuters and residents are watching closely, recalling past experiences that left them frustrated. When BRTS lanes were removed from Nagar Road, remnants like bus stops and barricades lingered for months, creating confusion and chaos, instead of relief.
Sanjay Kadam, a resident of Vishrantwadi, voiced cautious optimism: "Proper planning is critical this time around. Clear lane markings, orderly relocation of bus stops and ensuring enough space for PMPML buses are non-negotiable. We do not want repetition of Nagar Road-like challenges in Vishrantwadi," he said.
Importance of the Corridor
Vishrantwadi Road is not just another city stretch; it is a crucial artery. PMPML buses headed towards Alandi and those serving airport routes depend heavily on this corridor. "Any disruption could ripple across daily commutes for thousands," another resident said.
