On WhatsApp I got text, I should say proud text about Pune. Same message I happen to read again on FB which lead me to this post.
Long back I have written one post on the BRT in Pune. The message I got missed the traffic jam and driving rules comments which are very common in Pune. I personally feel Pune traffic has unique sense. Being one of them I follow same rule of "mob psychology". When everyone is waiting for signal to turn green I wait and when all are going I follow the crowd. Strange but this works best, I always suggest this to all out-comers when they discuss their hesitation about (4-wheeler) driving in Pune.
Last week, I read about (PMC) inviting suggestions and objections on Pune Metro plan. I started thinking about this and convinced that I am opposing this idea. I come across presentation on the Metro plan which details the implementation plan. Metro is mass communication platform more costly but can be effective than BRT. The way we have BRT work going on one should not think of Metro but what to comment on our politicians. Am I against the big investment, big project because I supported the statue of unity for Sardar Patel. But when it comes to Pune and plan of Metro where they are building elevated/underground paths on the same overcrowded, traffic blown small roads where there is very little scope to expansion. Yes, I am against of thought.
Metro requires a lot of money and if at all it gets sanctioned it will be like reinventing Pune altogether. Additional FSI will be permitted which will change look n feel of the old city. When we are unsuccessful in BRT works why we are thinking of such costly plans. BRT or Metros are no solution for Pune City traffic. It still reachable in 15-20 minutes in off hours when there are no bottlenecks.
Ironically current traffic jams are due to roads blocked for BRTs where no vehicle is allowed, not even PMT buses :). See the Yerward-Wagholi track!!!!
Metros are good for Pune but for new extended one, should not pass through core city area like Deccan. Ring roads were projected in town planning to connect developed hubs like Hinejwadi-Moshi-VishrantWadi-Yerward-Ranjangaon-Fursungi- NIBM. If we can circle these tracks by faster connectivity means we can tackle traffic jam problems. River side roads are good solution but why environment lovers halt them by legal hurdles is unanswered.
No doubt in having and clean and green Pune but stopping projects like this will not help anyway and people will put forward unrealistic costly solutions targeted for 2020 release.
Think wisely to get solution for all.... sort of Win-Win situation!
