The plan to shift three PMPML bus stops near Katraj police chowkey to facilitate Metro construction has been rolled back, just three days after authorities witnessed traffic chaos and hardships for commuters when they were relocated. Now, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will devise a revised plan, which will then be sent to the city traffic police for approval.
Background of the Shift
The three bus halts in Katraj, serving around 25 PMPML bus routes, were temporarily shifted on Wednesday this week to make way for work on an underground Metro station in the area. However, it soon became evident that the new locations did not provide sufficient circulating space for buses to maneuver, thereby hampering the movement of other vehicles. Additionally, commuters found these new stops to be quite far from the main roads.
Public Notice and Reversal
On Friday, PMPML and Maha Metro issued a public notice alerting commuters about the re-shifting of these bus halts back to their original locations. A Maha Metro official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "Since there were issues pertaining to the overall movement of buses and commuters, a decision was taken not to proceed with the changes on an immediate basis, at least." The official added, "Although the movement of PMPML buses is reverting to the earlier plan, Metro work proposed in Katraj will not halt completely. Work will continue in the available space without disturbing PMPML bus operations. The teams will simultaneously work out alternative options for setting up bus halts, keeping in mind the requirements of commuters."
Metro Project Details
Maha Metro began groundwork this month on the 5.4 km long Swargate-Katraj underground Metro line, which includes five Metro stations proposed at Padmavati, Balajinagar, Market Yard, Katraj, and Swargate. Katraj is not the only location where Metro has proposed changes to PMPML bus halts. As part of its work, bus stops were also temporarily shifted from BRTS lanes to service lanes in some locations closer to Swargate.
Commuter Concerns
Regular commuters are bracing for more traffic disruptions during the Metro project's execution. Vijay Kokate, a resident of Dhankawdi, said, "The entire stretch from Swargate to Katraj Chowk is very busy, with a major footfall of public and private vehicles throughout the day. PMC, Maha Metro, and traffic police will have to identify locations for Metro work that have minimal impact on traffic flow. Katraj Chowk is among the top city locations where executing Metro work is going to be challenging due to significant traffic flow and lack of space."
Future Plans
According to Maha Metro officials, this line will be operational underground along the entire stretch. Barricading will be proposed only at locations of entry and exit points of Metro stations onto the roads above, and at locations where tunnel boring machines are lowered.
Paud Road Residents Appeal
Residents from the Paud Road area have approached Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar regarding proposed Metro work in the Paud Road-Kothrud garbage depot area. The citizens have requested changes in the line's station plan and a revised design of a double-decker flyover planned there.
