Several roads set to be off private intercity bus routes in Pune

PUNE: The traffic police are set to impose restrictions on plying and halting of private intercity buses on several arterial roads to prevent snarls and streamline vehicular movement in the city.
TOI had on October 2 reported the process started by the traffic police by inviting suggestions and objections to the proposal. The initial plan was to restrict the movement of private buses in Pune from 6am to 11pm. The final decision on the proposal was taken after hearing the views and introducing certain changes.




“We are now set to issue a final notification on the movement of the intercity buses in the city,” deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Tejaswi Satpute said. “Over the years, 84 notifications have been issued related to the movement of these buses. All the old notifications will be revoked and the new one will replace them.” the officer said.

The new notification will be on the routes the buses will take while entering and leaving the city, the timings, stops to pick and drop passengers and also the roads that will be out of bounds for them. The buses will not be allowed to enter or leave the city during peak traffic hours (see graphics).

“We have chalked out the routes, down to the minutest details. Many existing bus stops will be closed. Several spots in areas around Katraj Dairy on Satara Road will be used as pick-up and drop points,” Satpute said.

“Between 8am and noon and 5pm and 8-8.30 pm, these buses will not be allowed to ply in the city at all. We have told bus operators to submit their revised travel timings with us after Diwali. If any buses are found plying on even the specified routes in these hours, they will be fined,” she added.

Bus Operators Confederation of India president Prasanna Patwardhan said, “We have assured the traffic authorities that once the plan is implemented, we will report if any of our members flouts the rules.”

Pune Luxury Bus Association president Balasaheb Khedekar said, “We have been fighting for dedicated spaces to pick up and drop passengers for the last 20 years. The new arrangements should be introduced after Diwali. We will move court if the authorities do not ensure dedicated spaces for the buses to halt and pick up and drop passengers.”

Samaiirah of Safe Road Foundation said the move would improve vehicular movement in the city and also discipline the bus drivers. “During evening hours, these buses would stop at any point to pick up or drop passengers. This has to change,” she said.