The Pimpri Chinchwad municipal commissioner, along with traffic police officers, conducted a joint visit to the Punawale underpass near the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway on Friday, following numerous complaints from citizens about severe traffic congestion in the area. During the visit, which was also attended by local MLA and other leaders, the commissioner acknowledged the problem and outlined immediate steps, including the removal of encroachments and public utilities like distribution panels that block the road. Additionally, more traffic wardens will be deployed during peak hours. The civic body, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is also planning long-term solutions, such as widening the service road within PCMC limits.
Residents have voiced their frustration over the daily traffic jams, particularly during peak hours and the monsoon season, with some citizens even volunteering their land to assist in resolving the issue. The congestion has been a persistent problem for the past year, significantly increasing commute times, especially on weekends. Locals are eagerly awaiting effective measures to improve traffic flow and reduce the delays that have become a regular part of their daily routines.