Pune: A meeting was conducted on Friday among several stakeholders to deliberate on persistent traffic and infrastructural issues in and around Hinjewadi IT park.The consultation was organised by Hinjewadi police. The stakeholders were MIDC, NHAI, PCMC, IT employees’ associations and housing societies’ representatives.Sachin Londhe, president of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, said poor roads, traffic indiscipline and lack of coordination among multiple agencies were among the key issues discussed in the meeting. It is the same federation which initiated the ‘Unclog Hinjewadi’ campaign last year.“IT professionals and residents have become frustrated. Some even offered to publicly fund infrastructure works if the govt does not have funds. It appeared that road work was being carried out mainly along the Metro route alignment, while several other roads remain in poor condition,” Londhe said.Participants raised concerns over the lack of progress on three roads under the jurisdiction of the public works department (PWD). It was decided that a separate meeting with PWD officials would be held next week.Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) informed stakeholders about key road projects for which the tendering process has begun and said work on the ground would start after the monsoon, said an IT professional who attended the meeting.Senior inspector Balaji Pandhare of Hinjewadi police station said the meeting focused on traffic management and road safety and brought together agencies responsible for the area’s infrastructure.“Better roads have been essential for effective traffic management and safety. PMRDA, PWD and other agencies concerned have assured us that they would visit the IT park and review the situation before taking corrective measures,” Pandhare said.IT professional Vikram Khopade said potholes, congestion and traffic signal-related problems were discussed. Khopade also proposed an underpass or foot overbridge at Shivaji Chowk in the IT park to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow.“People frequently cross the road at Shivaji Chowk, putting themselves and others at risk. It also leads to congestion,” he said.
