Range Hills chowk to Shivajinagar in Pune sees chaos as two-way traffic opens

Pune: Commuters are facing challenges like wrong-way driving, poor surface conditions and lack of direction signboards at various locations on Ganeshkhind Road after two-way traffic was restored between Range Hills chowk and Shivajinagar in an apparent relief to motorists last week. Citizens have sought improvements for safe travel and a reduction in chaos. The problem of wrong-way driving is prevalent particularly near Agriculture College chowk along the stretch near Rahul theatre and on the connecting road between Agriculture College chowk and Sakhar Sankul.

Motorists said lack of clear instructions regarding vehicle movement was causing confusion. Last year, diversions were put in place on the stretch between University Chowk and Shivajinagar to facilitate Metro works. It was made two-way between Range Hills chowk and Shivajinagar, last week.



Commuter Gopidas said the authorities have not made adequate arrangements to ensure smooth traffic flow. "The road condition was poor and required urgent repair at Agriculture College chowk and also on the stretch between Range Hills chowk and Shivajinagar," he added. Sanket Tambe, another regular commuter, said, "People travelling from Sakhar Sankul towards Agriculture College are confused about the road to take.

It is because police have opened the stretch in front of Rahul theatre for two-way traffic. The move is risky and could lead to accidents. The authorities should install direction boards.

Officials must clarify to the public whether the temporary road from Range Hills to Agriculture College via the Metro depot will continue to remain open in the future." Traffic police department officials said they have deployed wardens to maintain movement of vehicles and related issues would be resolved over the next few days. They said obstructions on the road are being cleared.

Metro authorities have been told to remove barricades where works are complete. Adequate barricades will be in place for smooth traffic flow in the Agriculture College-Sakhar Sankul and University Road areas. On Monday evening, it was put up at Agriculture College Chowk to restrict vehicle flow towards Shivajinagar.

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