PONDA: The Ponda Underpass Junction, located behind the Maruthi Temple, has become a hotbed of traffic chaos and violations during rush hour, primarily due to unauthorised stops made by industry buses transporting workers, and passenger buses. The workers park their vehicles below the underpass, and get picked up and dropped off at the busy junction, not only causing traffic snarls but also posing the risk of accidents.
Chronic traffic jams arise during busy hours, especially in the late evening between 5.45 and 6.30 pm.
Viraj Sapre, a concerned citizen, highlighted the problem, emphasising that the unauthorised stops create chaos and pose a significant risk of accidents.
He pointed out that buses transporting industrial employees often halt at the underpass to alight workers instead of using the designated KTC bus stand.
“This results in long queues on the service road and traffic rule violations, as the buses stop right under the No Parking signboard. This practice increases the likelihood of collisions with vehicles approaching from behind or from the opposite side of the underpass,” he said.
Additionally, Sapre noted that passenger buses travelling from the Old Bus Stand to the KTC bus stand sometimes park below the underpass to make a U-turn, posing risks to other vehicles. Moreover, industrial buses travelling through the underpass often use the wrong side of the service road, inviting the potential for accidents.
Sapre urged authorities to monitor the situation during evening rush hour, streamline traffic and take action against vehicles violating traffic rules.
He emphasised the need to establish dedicated bus stops at safe locations for passengers to alight and board.
In response to the concerns raised, Traffic PI Krishna Sinhari assured that he would investigate the matter and take necessary actions to streamline traffic and address violations.
