Pune Ranks Among World’s Slowest Traffic Cities; PMC Plans Major Upgrades for Nagar Road, Viman Nagar
Pune’s notorious traffic congestion has landed it among the world’s slowest-moving cities, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is shifting its focus to the city’s northern belt—home to key areas like Nagar Road, Viman Nagar, and the airport zone—to untangle the gridlock.
Pune’s travel time
The report revealed that Pune’s average travel time stands at 33 minutes for just 10 km, putting it alongside Kolkata and Bengaluru in global traffic rankings. Yuvraj Deshmukh, head of PMC’s Transport Planning department, attributes this to rising private vehicle ownership and unchecked urban sprawl.
To combat the issue, PMC is rolling out a detailed mobility plan for high-traffic zones, including Nagar Road and the airport vicinity. Using advanced traffic simulation tools, the civic body will assess proposed infrastructure upgrades like flyovers, underpasses, and smart signal systems. The study will also evaluate road safety, signal efficiency, and tech-driven solutions to ease congestion.
Why the Northern Stretch?
The northern corridor—covering Nagar Road, Vishrantwadi, Airport Road, and Wagholi—acts as a crucial link to Pune Airport. However, rapid development has overwhelmed existing roads, leading to daily bottlenecks. A civic officer noted, “The current infrastructure can’t handle the surge in vehicles, especially during peak hours.”
PMC’s plan includes a 53-km elevated double-decker bridge from Viman Nagar to Shirur, along with a ring road to divert traffic. The study will also analyze blackspots, alternate routes, and the impact of air travelers on mobility corridors.
With these measures, Pune hopes to shed its ‘slow traffic’ tag and pave the way for smoother, safer commutes.
