Pune: The traffic police have proposed a significant circulation change in Vimannagar, with two of the area’s primary roads slated for conversion into a one-way loop as early as Monday. The proposed one-way routes include the stretch from Ganga Puram Chowk towards Ganpati Mandir and the road from Shree Krishna Hotel towards Café Coffee Day (CCD). Internal roads within Vimannagar will maintain their current two-way status. DCP (traffic) Himmat Jadhav told TOI, “We are taking inputs from people living and working in Vimannagar. The idea is to reduce evening congestion and recurring gridlocks. The plan is to create a continuous one-way loop — from the Symbiosis junction to Ganpati Chowk, then onward to Shree Krishna Hotel and from there to CCD.” He acknowledged that while some commuters might need to travel an extra 200–300 metres, this circulation change would ultimately reduce chaos. Jadhav added, “In the long run, it will save time and energy because traffic will flow smoothly during peak hours.” He also mentioned that the traffic branch plans to clear encroachments and identify additional roadside parking spaces once the one-way system is implemented on the two key Vimannagar roads. “We have done similar reorganisations in other busy pockets like FC Road, and they have worked well,” he said. Ravindra Kadam, senior police inspector in charge of the Airport Road traffic division, said, “We have taken suggestions from residents, shopkeepers and even PMC officials connected with the area, and plan to implement the new system from Monday. Right now, people drive haphazardly, but the proposed plan will bring order and help ease congestion.” Vimannagar resident Anita Hanumante said, “Prior to the rollout of the new system, signages will be installed at major chowks, and an official notification will be issued. This initiative aims to reduce congestion, improve peak-hour travel time, and enhance pedestrian safety, especially for school-going children, senior citizens, and daily commuters. With increasing commercial activity and rising vehicular movement, the existing narrow-road infrastructure has been under immense pressure.” Anagha Dhara, another Vimannagar resident, expressed community support: “As residents, we have continuously appealed to authorities for the new system, because getting stuck for prolonged periods within the neighborhood has become a challenge. Parents dropping children for coaching and tuitions have also been facing severe difficulties during peak hours.” Vimannagar had previously implemented a one-way system in 2017, which was later withdrawn for operational reasons. However, residents note that with the current surge in vehicular load, this measure has once again become essential. Over the past few weeks, the traffic police and PMC teams have conducted detailed junction assessments, surveys, and planning to ensure a practical and effective flow. Authorities will provide a 15-day adaptation period to help residents and commuters adjust to the new pattern. Following this period, violations will incur penalties. To facilitate a smoother transition, awareness drives, volunteer support, and digital route maps will be made available.
