Pimpri-Chinchwad May Scrap 60-Km BRTS Network

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is considering removing its 60-km Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) network due to worsening traffic congestion across the city.

The BRTS was introduced to provide faster and smoother public transport, but civic officials and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are now reviewing the system.

The reasons behind this review are alleged traffic congestion, narrowing of roads, frequent roadwork, and a shortage of PMPML buses on many routes featuring BRTS. A proposal to remove the BRT corridors is being discussed in view of the city’s future traffic needs.

Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge said a meeting with the municipal commissioner would be held soon to discuss the issue. The BJP city president and corporator Shatrughna Kate said the civic administration would consider all possible measures to deal with the growing traffic problem.

The BRT network was developed on major roads under the central government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The PCMC spent around Rs 600 crore on the BRT corridors and bus stops. A major portion of the expenditure was incurred on developing roads and infrastructure for the dedicated bus lanes.

The BRTS network currently covers around 60 km, including corridors such as Nigdi-Dapodi, Aundh-Ravet, and Bhakti-Shakti. However, several sections of the BRTS corridor are currently closed due to Maha Metro work.

Residents have reported that private vehicles are increasingly using BRT lanes, while buses are often seen in limited numbers. Roadwork has also become a regular issue, with various agencies carrying out excavation work.

The removal of the BRTS network could have significant implications for public transport in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Civic officials warn that removing BRT without alternatives could slow public transport.

The PCMC will need to consider alternative solutions to address the city’s traffic congestion and public transport needs. The decision to remove the BRTS network will depend on the outcome of the meeting between the mayor and the municipal commissioner.

In conclusion, the potential removal of the BRTS network in Pimpri-Chinchwad highlights the need for effective traffic management and public transport solutions in the city. The PCMC must carefully consider the implications of such a decision and explore alternative solutions to address the city’s growing traffic congestion.

The fate of the BRTS network will be decided in the coming days, and it remains to be seen whether the PCMC will opt to remove the network or explore alternative solutions to address the city’s traffic woes.