Pune: Some relief from chronic traffic congestion in Kalyaninagar is expected once three new road links connecting the neighbourhood to Wadgaon Sheri, Gunjan Chowk and Koregaon Park become operational in the next few months.The roads, along with a series of civic infrastructure and public safety measures, were announced during a meeting between Kalyaninagar residents and corporator Yogesh Mulik on Saturday. Traffic bottlenecks, deteriorating roads, poor drainage, power outages and unchecked commercialisation emerged as the area’s biggest concerns at the meeting held at Joggers’ Park.Officials outlined timelines for several infrastructural projects while seeking residents’ participation in identifying priority locations for repairs and improvements.The road connecting HDFC Circle in Kalyaninagar to Gunjan Chowk, expected to become operational by Nov, will improve connectivity between Kalyaninagar, Gunjan Chowk and Wadgaon Sheri and reduce traffic pressure on Ahmednagar Road.“Every new road that opens gives residents another option and reduces dependence on Ahmednagar Road. We hope these projects are completed within the timelines. They will make a significant difference to daily commuting,” resident Anita Deshpande said.Another new road connecting Kalyaninagar to Wadgaon Sheri, near Nyati, is likely to begin in two months. The route is an alternative exit for motorists and will ease congestion at The Bishop’s School signal and at other busy junctions.“The new connections to Wadgaon Sheri and Gunjan Chowk are much needed, but we also need better internal roads and footpaths. Safe walking spaces are equally important for senior citizens and children,” resident Rohan Mehta said.Another major traffic relief measure is the ongoing Shastrinagar grade separator project. It will divert through traffic towards Gunjan Chowk via the riverside road, reducing the number of vehicles entering the internal roads of Kalyaninagar. In addition, the extra lane linking Koregaon Park and Kalyaninagar is targeted for completion by Aug and will improve traffic movement between the two neighbourhoods, Mulik said.“Traffic is only one part of the problem. Frequent power cuts, inadequate street lighting and the need for CCTV surveillance are equally important if we want Kalyaninagar to remain a safe residential neighbourhood, “ Priya Kulkarni said.He added that a budget of Rs 1.2 crore has been sanctioned for sewage and stormwater drain works, with construction scheduled to begin after Diwali. “Road resurfacing and footpath repair works have also received administrative approval and are expected to start after the festive season,” Mulik said.Residents have been told to identify damaged footpaths requiring urgent repairs, while railings and bollards will be installed at locations where two-wheelers frequently ride or park on footpaths.Four dedicated garbage collection vehicles have been allotted for Kalyaninagar. Residents can report issues relating to waste collection to the designated sanitation staff and the corporator’s office.Safety measures also came up during the discussions. CCTV cameras will be installed at critical locations under an approved budget, with residents invited to suggest vulnerable spots. They can also identify poorly lit stretches so that proposals for additional street lights can be taken up with MSEDCL. Frequent power outages caused by overloaded transformers and electricity infrastructure will also be raised with the power utility, the corporator said.A residents’ coordination committee comprising four to five members will be formed to work with the police on issues related to security, traffic management and public safety.Rapid commercialisation of residential areas a concernIncreasing commercial establishments have worsened traffic congestion, posed parking shortage and safety issues. “The increasing commercial activity inside residential areas has affected parking, traffic and the quality of life. We expect stronger enforcement and better coordination between civic authorities and the police,” Sandeep Shah said.Pune Municipal Corporation would be approached regarding trade licences issued in residential zones, while a separate meeting with the police would focus on enforcement, illegal parking and traffic management.The meeting resolved to identify locations for increasing green cover, with the corporator assuring residents that manpower and saplings would be provided for tree plantation.Several important infrastructure projects are simultaneously going on. New road links will improve connectivity, while works on drainage, roads, sanitation and public safety will address residents’ day-to-day concerns. We will continue working with citizens and the concerned departments to ensure these projects are completed as plannedYogesh Mulik I Local corporator
