PUNE(Metro Rail News): The Pune Metro’s Ramwadi – Wagholi stretch is moving from papers to reality with the beginning of preparatory work for geotechnical investigation along the existing Nagar Road. Maha Metro has begun barricading on Nagar Road where the stations will come up. However, this initiative has sparked concern among the road commuters for the consequential congestion that will occur due to construction activities. The commuters have urged that a relevant traffic plan be drawn so the peak-hour hassles can be avoided.
Double Decker Structure of Ramwadi – Wagholi Stretch: Metro Viaduct to Run Above 6 Lane Road
The 4.7km corridor will be constructed on the existing Nagar Road. What stands out in this project are the physical features. The corridor’s structure will be double-decker in nature, in which the metro viaduct will be constructed on top, while the 6-lane elevated road will come up just beneath the metro corridor. In the first phase, Maha Metro will initiate the work from Ramwadi to Tuljabhavani Chowk, in which the construction of 4 stations is envisaged, including: Viman Nagar, Somnathnagar, Kharadi Bypass, and Tuljabhavani Chowk.
The metro corridor will resolve the traffic congestion in the area, but until the project is completed, the authorities are required to create a full-fledged traffic management plan to avoid inconvenience to road commuters. Mostly, traffic jams occur when one lane is blocked by construction activities, and commuters drive on the wrong side of the road, which also increases the risk of accidents.
Traffic Jams Due to Metro Construction: A Persistent Challenge in India
If seen through a wider lens, wherever metro construction takes place, a reduction in road space is inevitable. This issue has persisted across metro projects in India and continues to create significant challenges for road users. There remains a considerable gap in coordination among traffic regulating authorities, metro corporations and the respective contractors involved in construction activities. This gap requires serious attention and can only be addressed through close coordination among all concerned organisations.
Before construction activities commence, it is imperative to prepare and implement a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (TMP) identifying potential risks, diversion routes, pedestrian movement, emergency access and other traffic-related concerns. Such planning is necessary to minimise the risk of accidents and severe traffic congestion during construction. In the absence of a clear and effectively implemented plan, commuters are often pushed to face prolonged traffic congestion, unsafe road conditions and difficulties in accessing adjoining roads and public facilities.
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