Pune: Many important junctions in the Baner-Balewadi area will now get traffic signals and wardens, local corporators said, adding the measures were part of efforts to ease the area’s almost round-the-clock traffic congestion.Corporators Amol Balwadkar and Baburao Chandere said signal-installation and appointment of wardens would be completed over the next few days. Recently, there were joint visits at key junctions by PMC officials, traffic police and area corporators. “There are traffic signals at junctions along the main Baner road, but chowks on arterial roads are missing lights. We have recommended signals on these roads. They will be functional soon,” Balwadkar said.Ashutosh Joshi, a daily commuter, said Baner-Balewadi experiences serious traffic congestion at major junctions, including Mamata Chowk, Radha Chowk, Nanaware Chowk and the Baner Crematorium Chowk. Joshi said the situation worsens during peak hours. “People are stuck for at least 30 minutes at some of these junctions,” he said.Commuters also said the area has traffic movement till late at night. “That’s why we have demanded traffic signals stay on past normal hours. Wardens leave early; traffic signals should work,” said Vishal Jadhav, another commuter.Jadhav added that the signals should work according to traffic flow. “There should be real-time changes depending on traffic volume. Local administration should take into account significant traffic that travels daily to Hinjewadi and Mumbai through Balewadi and Baner,” he said.
