The Right Road to Development

One of the biggest requirements of any city is a well-planned and more importantly, well-made road network. Unfortunately, in most cities around the country, just like Pune, a single heavy bout of rain is all it takes to undo months of road building labour.

A lot has been said about the more than ten foot wide potholes that come springing up during the monsoon. Journalists have gone on camera with measuring tapes, as if any more proof was necessary, to point out some of the more massive craters. But in an effort to change this outlook the state government is taking strong steps to ensure a well-maintained network of roads.

A rough ride

One of the biggest challenges for the new Maharashtra government is to ensure that up and coming cities like Pune do not lack in the basic infrastructure. Having seen abundant investment, Pune was always a prime student destination, it now can also boast of an IT industry competing that of Bangalore. But once again, it is the basic infrastructure that holds this vibrant city back from fully achieving its investment potential.

Public transport, already a nightmare in the city, becomes an even bigger hassle on account of clogged roads and badly planned exits. One of the biggest refrains of visitors to the city has been the condition of the roads, providing an almost derbyesque bounce in some patches.

Vehicles plying on the roads increase

Statistics indicate that Pune has the highest number of households in the state using two-wheelers. More than 23 lakh privately owned vehicles are plying the city streets, in a situation like this if the roads are not planned properly or not made correctly, problems are bound to arise. 

 The city has also planned to increase the bicycle connectivity of the roads. This will help greatly in student-heavy areas of the city. Some of the best cities in the world have a beautifully planned pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes. Pune definitely needs to take a leaf out of their book in order to better its road network.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the city streets are not just the conditions they are in, but also the massive amount of illegal vehicles and animals that abound on them. Add to the chaos the high number of cars, two-wheelers and public transport vehicles and you have on your hands a logistical nightmare. This is compounded by encroached footpaths and underpasses which often become bottlenecks at peak hours.

Road to the future

 

However, not all is lost. With renewed interest in clearing up the city roads, the state government and city officials are taking steps towards remedying the state of the roads. According to reports, four six-lane roads are being constructed in the city, and out of the twelve planned arterial roads, construction of eight has already been concluded. Developing areas are especially under the limelight owing the high amount of investment they are attracting in terms of property and corporate interest.

All said and done, Pune has one of the better established and maintained road networks among Indian cities and requires just more attention to detail to remain in ship shape. The city officials have also hired the help of professional designers so as to spruce up the drab looks of a few key roads. If the plans fall into place, it is without doubt that a couple of more years and Pune will have one of the best roads in the country.