Pune: BJP Leader Urges Pune Police Commissioner to Implement Effective Traffic Management During Ganeshotsav Following Dahi Handi Congestion

Pune: The citizens of Pune have been grappling with severe traffic congestion, a problem that intensified during the recent Dahi Handi celebrations. With the city’s main streets and major roads jammed due to festival-related road closures, the situation became nearly unbearable for many.

In light of this, BJP State spokesperson Sandeep Khardekar has called on Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to implement comprehensive traffic management strategies ahead of the upcoming Ganeshotsav, ensuring smoother traffic flow and minimising inconvenience to the public.

Khardekar highlighted the chaos faced by Pune residents during Dahi Handi, emphasising the need for a more thoughtful approach to traffic planning during major festivals. “Yesterday, Pune’s common man found themselves trapped in traffic with no way to move forward or backward. The same situation arose during the Palkhi procession earlier. It’s crucial that during the festival season, traffic planning considers the entire city, with a focus on the convenience of ordinary citizens,” Khardekar stated.

He pointed out that the traffic management during the Dahi Handi celebrations was inadequate, leading to unnecessary road closures that only worsened the situation. “Due to the abrupt closure of roads by celebrants, many people were stuck on the roads for long periods. The traffic police, instead of easing the situation, further exacerbated it by placing barricades, leaving people with no options,” he added.

Drawing a comparison to the “Chakravyuha” from the Mahabharata, Khardekar described the maze-like experience faced by those trying to navigate the city center. “In the alleys near the city centre, especially around the statue of Shreemant Bajirao Peshwa in front of Shaniwar Wada, people were effectively barricaded from entering or exiting through Chhatrapati Shivaji Road. This was a common scenario across many parts of the city,” he said.

With Ganeshotsav preparations underway, Khardekar urged the police commissioner to implement a well-planned traffic system that would alleviate the potential for massive traffic jams. “The rush of shoppers in Central Pune is increasing as Ganeshotsav approaches. Given this, the possibility of banning four-wheelers in the central areas during this period should be explored. However, any such measures should be carefully designed to avoid causing undue hardship to residents,” he suggested.

Khardekar also emphasised that traffic management during Ganeshotsav should be mapped out for the entire city, with the aim of relieving citizens from the persistent traffic woes. He insisted that roads should not be closed unnecessarily, as this only adds to the congestion.