Pune: Residents of Kothrud depot area on Paud road have objected to the proposed design and alignment of the upcoming Metro station and a flyover, demanding a rethink since the existing plan would not be beneficial.They have submitted letters explaining their apprehensions to the Metro and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials and said local corporators should consider the demands, before the work progresses.The Maha Metro has started preliminary work on the Vanaz to Chandni Chowk extension. The stretch will have two stations — one at Kothrud depot and one at Chandni Chowk-Bhusari colony. The viaduct will go across the Kothrud depot, where a station has been proposed.The PMC has also planned a double-decker flyover along the same stretch. Residents said the design of the flyover, particularly the ramps, may cause traffic snarls at both ends. The entire stretch already witnesses excessive traffic. The landing of flyover ramps would add to the chaos.Resident Rahul Chavan said they are following up on the issues. “We are awaiting responses from the Metro and PMC. There should be a dialogue to clear our doubts. It must be ensured that residents are not inconvenienced because of the project. The main concerns are pertaining to the flyover’s design and changes proposed in the location of the Metro station. People are unsure if there would be adequate space on footpaths after construction of the entry-exit points,” he added.Local residents recently held a signature campaign wherein over 400 people voiced their protest, said Chavan. “We are seeking feedback from protesters. There is a plan to submit fresh letters to the authorities,” he added.PMC officials said the field survey of the Vanaz-Chandni Chowk stretch has been done in coordination with the Metro. Officials from Maha Metro said that a Metro Samwad programme will be held in the area to discuss issues and clear doubts pertaining to the project plan and designs of the Metro station.Additionally, sources said residents want the flyover to be extended up to Bhusari colony instead of its proposed landing in Kothrud depot area.
