The closure of Baba Bhide Bridge for traffic since Tuesday morning has led to traffic jams due to vehicles taking turns at important intersections in the Deccan Gymkhana and Narayan Peth areas. Local citizens and regular commuters have demanded the appointment of more traffic wardens in the area. There was a huge rush of vehicles at the beginning of the Z Bridge, on Jangli Maharaj Road, Kelkar Road and Laxmi Road while returning from work in the evening.
The bridge will remain closed till June 6, and this action has been taken to construct a foot-over bridge over the Mutha river. This bridge will connect the Deccan Metro station with the other side of the river. This will make it easier for the citizens of Peth area to reach the metro station. The metro administration has assured cooperation to the transport department to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Commuters are facing major traffic jams in the Deccan area during the evening hours. Small lanes near Z Bridge, wooden bridges and Kelkar Road are being used as alternative routes for transportation.
Local residents have appealed for strict action against wrong-way drivers and unauthorized obstructions on the road. The traffic department said that the system will be checked in the next few days and if necessary, improvements will be made. It will be important to see what exactly the Pune Traffic Police administration is taking on all this now.