Pune: PMC Plans Riverside Road Widening Near Rajput Slums in Karvenagar to Ease Traffic
Pune commuters using Riverside Road can expect relief from traffic congestion as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) plans to widen a key stretch near Rajput slums in Karvenagar. The initiative aims to ease travel, particularly for two-wheeler riders, by addressing bottlenecks in the area.
According to PMC officials, the land required for the project belongs to a housing society primarily occupied by retired government officials. “The widened road will help in removing bottlenecks in these areas. Traffic jams, especially during peak hours, will be reduced after road widening,” said Sahebrao Dandge, a senior PMC road department official. The project is expected to be completed within a month.
Once the widening is complete, commuters from Kothrud, Karvenagar, Sinhagad Road, Deccan, and nearby areas will benefit.
Residents highlighted that the widening will take place near the entry point of Riverside Road while traveling from Deccan toward Erandwane. This entry point was previously barricaded to prevent four-wheelers from using the stretch. “The traffic is very heavy at this location. The administration must take steps to resolve these issues,” said a local resident.
Another resident emphasized the broader impact of traffic congestion. “The heavy traffic exerts pressure on nearby infrastructure, affecting drainage and services, which leads to waterlogging during the rainy season,” he explained.
Many commuters prefer Riverside Road due to the absence of signals beyond Mehandale Garage Chowk, allowing them to save time and fuel. “This road has become the preferred choice for many traveling to the city’s core areas,” noted Bhalchandra Rane, a regular commuter.
PMC officials confirmed that earlier widening efforts in 2022 addressed parts of the road near the slums, but a 200-meter stretch remained incomplete due to land acquisition hurdles. With this final segment now being addressed, the civic administration aims to enhance traffic flow and infrastructure in the region.
