PMC okays removal of BRT corridor in Vishrantwadi

PMC Approves Removal of BRT Corridor in Vishrantwadi

PMC okays removal of BRT corridor – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has given the green light to the removal of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor between Sathe Biscuit Chowk and Chandrama Hotel, situated near Deccan College Chowk, as part of a larger initiative to ease traffic congestion in the bustling Vishrantwadi area. This decision, approved by the PMC’s standing committee, marks a pivotal shift in the city’s approach to transportation infrastructure, with local officials citing persistent bottlenecks and the underutilization of BRT lanes as key factors behind the change. The move has generated mixed reactions from residents, traders, and commuters, who have long debated the efficacy of the BRT system in the region.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Residents, traders, and motorists have been vocal about the challenges posed by the BRT corridor on the Vishrantwadi–Phulenagar stretch, a critical route connecting Alandi Road, Airport Road, Dhanori, Tingre Nagar, and Yerawada. For years, they have argued that the dedicated bus lanes have not translated into significant traffic relief, instead creating new obstacles during peak hours. The proposed removal of the BRT lanes aims to address this issue by reallocating the road space to accommodate a broader range of vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, which have been struggling with reduced carriageway due to the system’s presence.

The approval of the proposal followed a comprehensive site inspection conducted by officials from multiple civic departments on April 20, 2026. During the evaluation, technical assessments were carried out, and feedback was gathered from key stakeholders such as the traffic police and local transport authorities. The committee’s decision to remove the BRT corridor was influenced by the findings of these assessments, which highlighted how the dedicated lanes had exacerbated congestion rather than alleviated it in the densely populated area.

Standing committee member and corporator Suhas Tingre emphasized, “We had consistently demanded the removal of the BRTS on this stretch. After thorough analysis and stakeholder consultations, the committee has approved the plan and ordered the administration to proceed with dismantling the BRT infrastructure.” His remarks underscore the PMC’s commitment to revising its transportation strategy based on real-time data and community input.

Recent efforts to streamline traffic flow in Vishrantwadi have been bolstered by recommendations from former Vadgaonsheri MLA Sunil Tingre, who has long advocated for the corridor’s removal. According to civic authorities, the BRT lanes have remained underutilized, with fewer buses than expected using the route. This underperformance has led to a situation where the lanes are effectively “wasted” space, contributing to the city’s ongoing traffic challenges. By eliminating the BRT corridor, officials hope to create more room for regular vehicles, thereby improving overall mobility in the area.

Impact on Local Traffic and Future Plans

Officials anticipate that the removal of the BRT corridor will lead to a noticeable improvement in traffic flow at major intersections, including Sathe Biscuit Chowk, Vishrantwadi Chowk, and Deccan College Chowk. The Yerawada traffic division, which played a role in the review process, also supported the move, stating that the current setup had compounded congestion and increased accident risks. They further suggested that road expansion projects, such as the planned flyover and grade separator at Mukundrao Ambedkar Chowk, could complement this initiative by offering long-term solutions to the region’s traffic woes.

PMMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram noted that the BRT system has struggled to maintain consistent bus frequency on the Vishrantwadi–Phulenagar corridor, reducing its impact on overall traffic efficiency. He also highlighted that upcoming projects, including the proposed underpass, are expected to further alleviate congestion and address the long-standing issues faced by commuters. While the removal of BRT lanes may seem like a setback for public transport advocates, officials argue that the flexibility provided by this change will allow for better adaptation to the evolving needs of the local traffic landscape.

The decision to remove the BRT corridor in Vishrantwadi follows similar moves on Ahmednagar Road and Solapur Road, where BRT lanes were previously eliminated to create more road space for other vehicles. These actions reflect a broader trend in Pune’s infrastructure planning, emphasizing the need to balance public transport initiatives with the practical demands of urban mobility. However, some critics argue that the BRT system has been a promising solution for reducing vehicular congestion, and its removal could lead to increased reliance on private vehicles, potentially worsening pollution levels in the area.