Pune traffic congestion is set to be examined through an integrated transport study by IIM Mumbai, following preliminary discussions between the institute’s experts and officials from departments across the city and its metropolitan region.
The study was initiated after Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who represents Pune in the Lok Sabha, approached IIM Mumbai to assess the city’s traffic infrastructure and transport facilities as one system rather than as separate projects. The institute has responded positively and discussions have begun to determine the scope of the exercise.
The proposed study will cover Pune city and the entire Pune metropolitan region. It will examine the causes of congestion on major roads, improvements required in traffic signal systems and management, and coordination among the Metro, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) and other transport services.
The assessment will also consider the longer-term effects of population growth and the increasing number of vehicles. According to Mohol, the Pune metropolitan region has a population of about one crore and is expected to double over the next three decades. The number of registered vehicles in the city has increased from 52 lakh in 2018 to 81 lakh in 2026, with more than 1,300 vehicles being added each day.
“It is necessary to consider the major roads, traffic congestion areas, signal systems, public transport, Metro network and proposed ring road in the city together,” Mohol said. He added that the study would identify gaps in the existing transport system and examine how available infrastructure could be used more effectively.
Traffic police and the municipal corporation are already implementing measures including improved signal coordination and the use of artificial intelligence for traffic analysis. Mohol said these measures would need to be supported by long-term planning as the city expands and travel demand rises.
“Traffic congestion in Pune is a serious problem related to the daily lives of citizens. Considering the rapid expansion of the city and the increasing number of vehicles, long-term planning is necessary along with temporary measures,” Mohol said. He said the initiative aimed to make journeys safer, easier and faster by coordinating different transport mechanisms.
IIM Mumbai specialises in operations research, transport management and logistics. Its experts will examine shortcomings in Pune’s transport system and recommend measures that account for existing infrastructure and future requirements. The immediate next step is to finalise the study’s scope through consultations with the relevant city and regional authorities.
