Pune: Unprecedented traffic snarl on Sinhagad Road, six kilometre-long queues

Pune: An unprecedented traffic jam was witnessed on the first day of the week on Sinhagad Road on April 28. The snarl was eased only after four hours. This resulted in very long, up to 6 km queues. The congestion happened as a part of Rajaram Bridge leading to Karve Nagar Kothrud was being repaired.

The road along the canal and Sinhagad Road were choked. The jam started at 8.30 am and lasted till 11.30 am. Many ambulances were also stuck in the jam, particularly on Canal Road. The queues were witnessed till Dhayari.

API (Traffic) Rajkumar Barde said, “Maintenance and repair work is underway at Rajaram Bridge, which will continue for a month. Currently, the lane leading to Karve Nagar-Kothrud is being repaired. Next month, another lane will be repaired.

“Therefore, the bridge has been shut for traffic. The current lane will be ready after 25 days. Later, the other lane will be repaired for another 25 days. Commuters should use alternative bridges such as Mhatre Bridge, Dandekar Bridge or those in Dattawadi and Warje.”

Local resident Bapu Nimbalkar said, “To resolve the current traffic issue, the stretch of flyover from Vitthalwadi to Fun Time Theatre should be thrown open for traffic towards Vitthalwadi in the morning. In the evening, the lane from Vitthalwadi to Vadgaon should be open for traffic.”