report on safety audit of pune solapur road between swargate and

Safety Audit Report – Pune Solapur Road

CEPL & PCESPL 29th May, 2014

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REPORT ON SAFETY AUDIT OF PUNE

SOLAPUR ROAD BETWEEN SWARGATE AND HADAPSAR JUNCTIONS

Submitted to:

ADDITIONAL CITY ENGINEER (BP & DP)

PUNE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

By

Creations Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and Pavetech Consulting

Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Introduction: ................................................................................................................. 3

Brief details of the project corridor ............................................................................... 5

Observations about the existing ongoing construction projects. .................................. 6

Field study of the existing project corridor ................................................................... 8

Observations and Conclusions .................................................................................. 37

Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 40



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REPORT ON SAFETY AUDIT OF PUNE SOLAPUR ROAD BETWEEN SWARGATE AND HADAPSAR JUNCTIONS

Introduction: Pune Solapur Highway is a major arterial corridor on the eastern side of the city.

This road connects old city limits of PMC to the newly developed areas of Hadapsar,

Mundhwa, Magarpatta, Kharadi, Mohamadwadi, Undri Pisoli, Saswad, Baramati etc.

The route is a major connectivity corridor for traffic moving towards Solapur,

Hyderabad and south India. This road further continues as NH65 towards Solapur

which has recently been four laned and thereafter till Hyderabad as NH9. The

balance four laning works between Hadapsar and Manjari is in progress and is in the

final stages of completion. The road corridor upto Hadapsar junction falls under PMC

limit. This area has witnessed an exponential growth in population and consequently

vehicular traffic in the last decade which makes this one of the busiest corridor in the

city along with the Pune Satara road. Part of this road also passes through the

cantonment area. This route has also been developed as a BRTS route by PMC as

part of the pilot BRTS project and is also proposed as a metro corridor under the

PMC comprehensive mobility plan (CMP).

The Swargate junction on this road is the busiest and most heavily trafficked junction

in the city as it houses the largest state transport bus depot in the city. The other

important junctions on this road include the Seven loves flyover junction, Golibar

maidan junction, Pul gate junction, Bhairoba Nallah junction, Fatima Nagar junction,

BT Kawade Road junction, Magarpatta Junction, Sasane Nagar Junction and

Hadapsar junction. The total length of the road between Swargate and Hadapsar

junctions is 9.00 km. Out of this length, 2.50 km falls under the cantonment limits.

The pilot BRTs has been implemented on this road between Swargate and

Hadapsar started in 2007 and completed in 2009-2010. The PMC has developed the

BRTS corridor along with the other cross sectional elements like footpaths,

dedicated cycle tracks and parking spaces etc. The dedicated BRTS corridor with

edge kerb and railing is present between the Swargate and junction and PMPML bus

depot for a short length after which it is discontinued upto the Fatimanagar

intersection. The dedicated corridor starts at this junction and continues upto the



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Magarpatta flyover junction after which it is again discontinuous. Thus the dedicated

BRTS is present only for a length of 3.00 km out of the total road length of 8.80 km.

Again, the road width in PMC limits is reduced to 18/20 m in the cantonment areas.

There are number of wide junctions along this project corridor and there is large

scale residential and commercial development all along the project corridor. The

connecting cross roads like the Fatima Nagar road, BT Kawade Road, Mundhwa

Bypass, Sasane Nagar Road, Saswad Road etc are in themselves heavy traffic

corridors which in turn feed this arterial corridor. The development of Magarpatta city

and Amanora townships in Mundhwa area have increased the traffic on this route

multi fold and have put enormous strain on the existing facilities. Another startling

feature of the road is blatant use of the dedicated BRTS corridor by all types of

vehicles apart from the PMPML and ST buses. The typical observation by the auditor

is that many two wheelers use the main carriageway, service road and cycle tracks

in wrong direction as shortcuts. The mixed traffic condition, largely uncontrolled

junctions and high speed of vehicles especially in the BRTS corridor wrong direction

use has led to series of fatal accidents over the past few years.

In continuation with the safety audit conducted for the Swargate Katraj route of pilot

BRTS, PMC decided to undertake a Road Safety Audit study of this road corridor in

order to record present situation and evolve time bound solutions to minimize the risk

of accidents, avoid accidents in future and suggest improvement in the existing

infrastructure as well as the proposed projects so as to provide a safe access to all

the road users at all times.

The guidelines of IRC Special Publication number 88-2010 “Manual on Road Safety

Audit” have been used for conducting the road safety audit study. Accordingly, the

stage wise audit was performed by the audit team by studying the available

drawings, records from PMC, project consultants and field visits thereof during the

daytime and night time. Based on the above, the safety audit report is prepared

comprising the field observation and findings of the team and phase wise

recommendations for overall improvement in the safety of all road users on this

project corridor. In the similar situation appropriate recommendations in this report

may also be enforced by PMC on other major corridors in the city.



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Brief details of the project corridor

The total length of the project corridor between Swargate and Hadapsar junctions is

8.80 km. This is a 45 m DP road of PMC. The cross sectional configuration is 1+1

lanes for segregated BRTS, 2+2 lanes for mixed traffic, a footpath, service road,

cycle track and footpaths. The BRTS corridor at the centre is separated by medians

from MV lanes. The original plan had designated punctures in the segregated BRTS

corridor at major intersections. Only 3 km length of this project corridor is functional

as a segregated BRTS corridor as planned with BRTS separators and central bus

stops. This length extends between the Shivarkar road junction and Magarpatta

flyover junction. In the remaining stretch of about 5.80 kms the buses ply in MV lanes

instead of segregated BRTS corridor. The construction of new arm at Gadital

junction is ongoing through PMC. For the balance length of the corridor, the

segregated BRTS has been discontinued and mixed bus lanes are operational with

bus stops at the edge of the

carriageway.

Map of the project corridor between Swargate and Hadapsar junctions



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Review of the project documents

The drawings of the completed and ongoing projects were made available to the

audit team by PMC. The following drawings were available.

1. BRTS section between Swargate and Hadapsar junctions- As built drawings

(only plan)

2. Construction of flyover at Magarpatta junction – As built drawings (only plan)

3. Construction of flyover arm at Gadital junction – GAD of project with plan and

L Sections.

4. Construction of flyover and grade separator at Swargate and Laxminarayan

junction – GAD of the project with plan and L sections.

Observations about the existing ongoing construction projects.

The observations of the audit team on the existing and ongoing projects are

summarized below.

A. Bridge and Grade Separator at Swargate junction.

The Swargate junction traffic solution consists of the following components:

1. Two lane flyover 7.5 m wide crossing Laxminarayan Intersection in the

direction from Swargate to Satara.

2. Two lane Flyover 7.5 m wide from Satara side over Laxminarayan intersection

diverging into two arms at Swargate intersection - one landing on Saras Baug

side of 7.5 m wide and one landing on Shankar Sheth Road of 7.5 m wide.

3. 8.1 m wide Grade Separator from Shankar Sheth Road side to Saras Baug

side.

The flyover is designed with PSC hollow box girders. The plan, sectional

arrangements and vertical clearances are as per IRC Standards in force. Adequate

provisions for pedestrian footpaths have been maintained wherever adequate ROW

is available. The ROW of Satara road is 45 m whereas the ROW of Shankar Sheth

Road is 36 m.

The section M-M near Swargate S.T. Terminus on the exit side on Shankar Sheth

Road is not available for review



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B. Construction of flyover at Magarpatta junction – As built drawings (only plan)

The flyover is already in use and the widths of carriageway, up and down ramps are

as per the IRC standards.

C. Construction of flyover arm at Gadital junction – GAD of project with plan

The offshoot arm from existing viaduct on LHS with plan, sectional arrangements

and vertical clearances are as per IRC standards in force and the construction is in

final stages of completion. The other arm connecting Saswad side to viaduct leading

towards Swargate is already complete and is in use at present.

Field study of the existing project corridor

The visit to the project corridor was conducted by the project team during daytime

dated 20/05/2014 and during night time dated 22/05/2014. The observations of the

audit team along with the chainage wise photographs are summarized below. An

independent observation was also made to assess the travel time and speed

between the Swargate and Hadapsar junctions during peak hour period. It was

observed that the average speed of vehicles on the project corridor is between 20

km/h to 25 km/h.



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FROM SWARGATE (Chainage 6000 m) TO HADAPSAR (Chainage 14/800 m)

Pedestrian crossing facilities at Swargate junction need to be upgraded to put into use effectively. – CH 6000 RHS

Adequate and safe pedestrian crossings are required at the busy intersection near Swargate ST Stand exit – CH 6000 centre

Condition of footpath outside Swargate ST stand

needs to be improved to increase the usability – CH 6000 to 6050 RHS

Strict Restrictions are required on hawkers

occupying the footpath space outside Swargate ST Stand ‐ CH 6070 RHS

Haphazardly parked auto riskshaws right outside Swargate ST stand exit gate force the ST buses to venture fully into the – CH 6100 RHS

At exit Autorikshaws force the ST buses to cross the main carriageway traffic to merge onto the main road ‐ CH 6100 RHS



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Poor pedestrian facilities outside Income Tax Office are required to be upgraded ‐ CH 6400 LHS

Rectification of damaged utility chambers near Kumar Pacific mall is required to allow safe passage to cyclists and pedestrians ‐ CH 6500 LHS

Lost connectivity in cycle track and footpath near Kumar Pacific Mall need to be re‐established.‐ CH 6600 LHS

Missing connectivity of footpath near the Seven Loves flyover needs to be restored along with rectification of chambers and covers – CH 6600 LHS

Appropriate direction boards need to be installed on the service road prior to the opening underneath the seven loves flyover to prevent unexpected entry of vehicles on the service road CH 7100 LHS

Protruded metallic pole remains along the footpath which may cause injury especially

during night time are required to be matched to the surface of the footpath – CH 7160 LHS



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Electrical feeder pillar boxes and debris at the seven loves flyover junction are required to be relocated / removed to provide easy connectivity onto the cross road footpath. – CH 7200 LHS

Exposed cable under the flyover at seven loves junction needs to be enclosed / embedded properly. – At JN Cross Road

Large turning radius at the junction provides easy turning manoeuvrability to the vehicles with higher speed hence poses great risk to the pedestrians crossing at the junction. The kerb radii needs to be reduced to provide increased pedestrian safety by reducing the speed of turning vehicles at the junction – CH 7170 LHS

The footpath at the junction needs to be widened to provide pedestrian refuge and better visibility to the pedestrians before they cross the junction – CH 7170 LHS

The obstacles to the pedestrians at the junction underneath the seven loves flyover need to be removed/ relocated and widening of the footpath is essential – CH 7200 RHS

Condition of footpath and the junction needs to be improved to increase the usability of the footpath. Special care should be taken to ensure the ease of accessibility to physically challenged and elderly persons. – CH 7220 LHS



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Area underneath the seven loves flyover remains unutilized and unsafe especially during night time – CH 7250 Centre

Debris and garbage piled underneath the seven loves flyover create unsafe situation to vehicles and pedestrians as well. – CH 7250 Centre

Inadequately developed pedestrian facility along the service road hinders safe movement of pedestrians‐ CH 7230 RHS

Obstructions of electrical boxes, signage poles, street light poles etc force pedestrians to use the main carriageway of the service road instead of footpath. – CH 7230 RHS

Obstructions to pedestrian movement due to protruding private water tank along the service road beneath the flyover. – CH 7220 RHS

Large junction underneath the flyover without adequate crossing facilities or pedestrian refuge creates problems for pedestrians to cross the junction – CH 7200 RHS



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Large kerb radii at the cross road underneath the flyover provides easy turning to vehicles but unsafe

condition for pedestrians due to high speed of vehicles – CH 7200 RHS

Parking facility on the main road right after the exit ramp of the flyover makes the BRTS buses from service road spilling onto the fast moving traffic coming from flyover. – CH 7600 LHS

Buses stopped near the bust stop and parking area along the road forces the other buses coming from service road to suddenly merge onto the main carriageway traffic. – CH 7600 LHS

Poor condition of footpath, damaged utility chambers and covers force pedestrians onto the main

carriageway after the end of flyover ramp. – CH 7610 LHS



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Poor condition of footpath and piled up debris at the Golibar maidan junction. – CH 7900 LHS

Reduction in the width of the carriageway after Golibar Maidan junction at the start of cantonment area causes severe traffic congestion – CH 7900 LHS

Unregulated growth of the shrubs between the carriageway and cycle track poses danger to vehicles and the cyclists adjacent to racecourse. – CH 9900 LHS

The shrubs and long braches of the shrubs on the main carriageway may cause serious accidents especially for two wheelers. .– CH 9900 LHS

Large unregulated junction at BhairobaNallah without adequate crossings facility or refuge islands makes crossing hazardous for pedestrians – CH 10420 LHS

Overall Largely unregulated open junction at Bhirobanallah without proper chanellization or crossings facilities – CH 10420 LHS



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Lack of developed & continuous footpath between BhairobaNallah junction and Fatima Nagar junction on both sides of the road causes inconvenience and totally unsafe conditions for pedestrians to negotiate the traffic. – CH 10550 LHS

Unprotected end of carriageway along with continuous drop of about 1.5 creates a safety hazard for vehicles especially at night time combined with unsafe condition for pedestrians. – CH 10600 LHS

Lack of well‐developed footpath between BhairobaNallah junction and Fatima Nagar junction – CH

10700 LHS



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Unregulated junction near Krome Showroom. There is lack of pedestrian crossings or any refuge for the pedestrians to cross the wide junction – CH 11300

LHS

BRTS busses moving fast along the BRTS corridor and haphazardly crossing two wheelers and cars in the same corridor resulting in unsafe condition for road users. CH 11320 LHS



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BRTS corridor being used commonly by all vehicles without impunity. Completely chaotic situation at the junction despite the signal system. – CH 11330 LHS

The cars and two wheelers move in the BRTS corridor overtaking the BRTS buses dangerously at high speed resulting in entire stretch as accident prone. – CH 11330 LHS

BRTS corridor being freely used by the garbage trucks of PMC as garbage transportation dedicated corridor shared with all types of other vehicles. – CH 11400 LHS

Lack of any kind of enforcement in the BRTS corridor. Cars and two wheelers can be seen all lined up near the bus stop. – CH 11400 LHS



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The large trees planted in the median create a

safety hazard from visibility point of view especially at evening time and dawn. The wide trees also pose a hazard to the vehicles with the driver at a higher

level (e.g buses/ trucks etc). – CH 11500 LHS

The non signalized and unregulated junction near Hadapsar industrial area is a major traffic hazard location due to fast moving buses in

BRTS corridor and crossing traffic from the cross road and main carriageway. – CH 11500 LHS

There is complete lack of crossings facilities for the pedestrians at the bus station or any refuge in between the lanes which leaves the pedestrians vulnerable to accidents at the BT Kawade road junction. – CH 11500 LHS

Accessibility to the bus station from the edge of the road is poor and so is the crossing facility at the bus stations near BT kawade road junction – CH 11500 LHS



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The junction near Ramtekdi industrial estate is chaotic due to wide road width and lack of tendency of commuters to follow traffic rules. The junction is a nightmare for crossing pedestrians. – CH 11940 LHS

Two wheelers moving freely in the BRTS corridor at high speeds and overtaking the buses risking serious and fatal accidents. – CH 11970 LHS



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Lack of advanced signage of left turn prior to the new approach road from ROB poses a traffic hazard for the vehicles on the ROB making it highly accident prone. Despite the one way traffic signs, there is

tendency of vehicles to use the road both ways. – CH 12250 LHS

Service road between ROB and Magarpatta Flyover junction used for parking of vehicles, other commercial activities like garages, repair workshops etc making it un useful to road users. – CH 12400 LHS

Non‐regulated use of cycle track by two wheelers to ply in wrong direction in front of police station near the Magarpatta Flyover junction seriously affecting safety of pedestrians. – CH 13450 LHS



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The footpath at the junction of Magarpatta flyover is occupied by street vendors etc thus making crossing at this junction difficult for pedestrians. – CH 13550 LHS

The junction underneath the Magarpatta flyover has no proper traffic management measures or pedestrian facilities creating a completely chaotic situation for all users. CH 13550 LHS



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Unsafe walking conditions and lack of any pedestrian crossing or traffic calming measures at the junction underneath Magarpatta Flyover. – CH 13900 LHS

Lack of developed footpath or cycle track and pedestrian space completely occupied by vendors, shops, hutments, commercial activities after the Magarpatta Flyover forcing pedestrians spilling on to main road. – CH 14000 LHS



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Service road used for complete parking of two wheelers outside the commercial complex near Hadapsar Flyover – CH 14100 LHS

Poor pedestrian facilities along service road of hadapsar flyover. – CH 14130 LHS

There is no footpath at many locations along the service road of Hadapsar Flyover. The connectivity of the footpaths is discontinued at many locations forcing pedestrian to walk on main carriageway. – CH 14150 LHS



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Unprotected edge of the footpath creates dangerous spots from pedestrian safety point of view. – CH 14390 LHS

Unused space underneath the Hadapsar flyover creates strain on the service roads. The space is occupied by street vendors, hutments, old vehicles, junk material etc. This creates unsafe spaces during night time. – CH 14400 Centre



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Completely encroached pedestrian spaces along the service road leaves no alternative to pedestrians but to risk their life by travelling on the main carriageway. – CH 14400 LHS

Heavy pedestrian movement along with other heavy traffic and vehicular movement and two wheelers coming in wrong direction and due to lack of separate pedestrian buffer space underneath the construction of ongoing arm of hadapsar flyover making it highly accident prone. – CH 14700 to 14800 LHS



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Buses and other vehicles moving dangerously close to the shuttering and supporting trussels of the new flyover may end up in major mishap. The already narrow construction space is further blocked by standing buses, stopped auto rikshaws and parked buses near the entrance of the PMPL bus depot CH 14800 LHS

Construction debris, concrete blocks protrudes dangerously on the service roads creating traffic hazard. – CH 14900 Centre



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Installation of steel bollards at the median gap to prevent vehicles from taking a U turn is not effective in banning the vehicles from crossings. The high median and shrubs in the median reduce the visibility of the traffic on the opposite side of the road. – CH 14980 LHS

Old parked vehicles along the approach roads of the hadapsar flyover creates a narrow road for the large vehicles moving towards Saswad or towards Pune city by taking a right turn at the bus station. –

CH 14900 RHS

Lack of footpath or existing footpath completely encroached forcing pedestrians on the service road of Hadapsar flyover. – CH 14900 RHS



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Lack of proper hazard marker at the approach of the Magarpatta Flyover creates a hazard for fast

moving vehicles on the service road. – CH 13620 RHS

Lack of curve delineation signage on the sharp curve of Magarpatta flyover and the sharp bend on the same flyover making it accident prone for vehicles coming from Magarpatta side. – CH 13600 RHS

Poor condition of the cycle track and footpath after the Magarpatta Flyover. Two wheelers violet rules to move in wrong direction on the cycle track and main carriageway. – CH 13300 RHS

Vehicle trying to ply in wrong direction –CH 12600 RHS



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Illegally parked vehicles on footpath and cycle track near the BT Kawade junction – CH 11320 RHS

Two wheelers moving dangerously between buses inside the BRTS corridor. – CH 11320 RHS

Lack of footpath between Fatima Nagar junction and BhairobaNallah junction – CH 10670 RHS

Poor condition of pavement in cantonment area. Damaged water supply line and settlement of road on the main carriageway. – 7540 RHS

Damaged storm water chambers and covers near the Seven Loves flyover service roads‐ CH 7200 RHS

Illegally parked Govt vehicles on the footpath and cycle track outside the IT Office at Swargate junction. – CH 6350 RHS



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Poor condition of the footpath near Swargate junction – CH 6330 RHS

Encroachments on the footpath outside Swargate Bus station forcing pedestrians to use main carriageway. – CH 6200 RHS

Damaged SWD chambers along service roads of

Seven Loves flyover. – CH 7150 RHS

Non functional street lights near the Seven Loves Flyover.

Completely dark section underneath the flyover.



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Damaged water supply line and road at Cantonment border and lack of street lights creating safety hazard

Partially functional street lights at the junction near St Marys school.

Completely dark footpath and cycle track near the race course.

The poorly maintained shrubs along the road edge create a driving hazard especially at night time due

to less visibility.



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Non functional street lights in median, footpath and at junction near Fatima Nagar – Shivarkar road.

Defunct high mast poles at 2 locations at the BT Kawade Road junction



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Cars and other vehicles speeding in the BRTS corridor above the ROB at Ramtekdi

Dark bus station and lack of proper information boards at the Ramtekdi Bus stations.

Speeding two wheelers alongside Buses in BRTs corridor above the Ramtekdi ROB.

Lack of adequate illumination and defunct street lights above the Magarpatta Flyover and junction underneath make crossing the junction unsafe at night time.



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Lack of advance construction zone signage and lack of illumination underneath the ongoing flyover construction work at Gadital creates unsafe condition for vehicles and pedestrians alike.

Level difference of above 2 inches between the concrete road and BT surface creates hazard for two wheeler riders specially at night time.

Inadequate visibility due to high median, shrubs and defunct high mast poles at the Akashwani junction.

Illegally parked and stopped buses on the main carriageway near Akashwani junction.



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Non operational street lighs on footpath between BT Kawade Junction and Magarpatta Flyover and near the Krome showroom junction.



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Observations and Conclusions

Based on the field study of the audit team, the following conclusions are derived.

1. The dedicated BRTS corridor is operational in 40 % length of the road and for

balance length the buses ply in the mixed vehicle lanes.

2. There is extremely high and dangerous tendency of all types of vehicles

including two wheelers, cars, light commercial vehicles, construction vehicles

and especially the garbage compactors etc to travel in the BRTS corridor

without any fear or impunity from law. It is observed that the two wheeler

riders overtake the other vehicles and even the fast moving buses in the

BRTS corridor risking their own lives with alarming frequency. This tendency

is not reduced even during the night time and creates more dreadful driving

conditions in the BRTS corridor.

3. There is altogether lack of any type of deterrent from PMPML, Traffic police or

any other enforcement agency to prevent the entry of other vehicles into the

dedicated BRTS corridor.

4. The garbage collection vehicles and dumpers of PMC move freely inside the

BRTS corridor throughout the length of the corridor.

5. The height of the central median is about 1 m and there are large trees

planted in the median especially between the Hadapsar industrial area

junction and near the BT Kawade road junction. These trees have spread out

approximately 2 to 2.5 m on each side of the center of the road creating a

serious traffic hazard. The trees not only obstruct the visibility of vehicles

moving in the opposite direction (especially dawn and dusk time) but also

pose physical obstruction of branches in the travel lane. The safety of vehicles

appears to have been compromised for road aesthetics which requires

serious rethinking before implementation at other locations in the city.

6. The shrubs and bushes planted in the corridor between the main carriageway

and the cycle track are not at all maintained or trimmed (between pool gate

junction and Bahiroba Nallah junction). The haphazard growth of these shrubs

with thorns also possesses danger to the two wheeler riders, cyclists and

pedestrians.



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7. The high central median and growth of shrubs and trees also obstructs the

visibility of vehicles especially at cross roads.

8. There are very wide junctions on this road which include the seven loves

flyover junction, pool gate junction, Bhairoba Nallah junction, BT Kawade

Road junction, Hadapsar industrial area junction, Ramtekdi industrial area

junction, Magarpatta Flyover, Hadapsar flyover (Sasane nagar junction)

Gadital junction and Saswad Road junction . Even though most of these

junctions are signalized, the traffic movement at the junctions is extremely

chaotic. The most vulnerable component of the traffic stream are the

pedestrians at these junctions. It is highly precarious for the pedestrians to

cross the junctions notably at the Bhairoba Nallah junction, Krome Showroom

(Hadapsar industrial area), BT Kawade Road junction, Ramtekdi Junction,

Magarpatta Flyover and Gadital junctions. There are no planned pedestrian

crossings, refuge islands etc at any of these junctions. The pedestrian

crossings marked in thermoplastic paint are either very faint or absent at most

locations. It is observed that elderly persons have to wait for as long as 6 to 8

minutes to cross these wide junctions. The situation is exacerbated by the fast

moving buses and other vehicles in the BRTS corridor.

9. The kerb radii at most junctions (e.g seven loves flyover junction) are large

(above 10 to 12 m) enabling fast and easy turn movement of vehicles. But this

has risked the safety of pedestrians crossing at the junctions. The visibility is

reduced due to very narrow width of footpath at the junctions and also creates

unsafe crossing conditions due to fast moving vehicles.

10. The pedestrian accesses to the centrally located bus stops are unplanned and

poorly maintained. The information display at the BRTS bus stations is

meagre or lacking. The lighting arrangement at most bus stations at night time

is nonexistent.

11. The pedestrian facility of footpaths even though constructed with adequate

width and good quality pavers and tactile paving tiles, the continuity of the

footpaths is interrupted at many locations thereby reducing their efficacy. The

footpaths are absent between some stretches like Bahiroaba Nallah junction

to Fatima nagar junction. At such locations, pedestrians are forced to walk on

the main carriageway thus risking their safety along with the inconvenience to



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other vehicles. The discontinuities and level differences also make the

footpaths ineffectual for physically challenged persons. The stretch on both

sides between Magarpatta flyover to PMC limit, the footpaths are occupied by

vendors, garages, shop keepers, hawkers etc as such the pedestrians are

forced to use main carriageway for walking purpose.

12. The cycle track constructed with concrete paving provides a good ride able

surface but is again rendered ineffective in much length due to discontinuities.

13. The street light arrangement at many locations on the project stretch is

nonfunctional and many dark spots occur along the road creating an unsafe

condition for pedestrians. The high mast light fixtures at some important

junctions are also non functional.

14. There is a unhindered use of cycle track by two wheelers not just in the traffic

direction but also in the opposite direction of traffic thus causing high level of

inconvenience to cyclists (if any) and pedestrians. It is pertinent to note that

wherever the cycle tracks are absent (discontinuous), two wheelers /

rickshaws / cars use main carriageway in wrong direction to enjoy shortcuts

but creating accident prone situation at all times. This can be observed by

appropriate authorities from Magarpatta flyover intersection to end of PMC

limits on LHS and from end of PMC limits to start of ROB on RHS.

15. The occupancy of footpaths, cycle tracks by street vendors, small shops,

commercial activities like small garages, tyre repair shops, fruit vendors etc is

distressingly high forcing pedestrians on the carriageway. This is especially

the common picture for the service road areas underneath the Hadapsar

flyover.

16. There is lack of adequate planning or facility for traffic movement regulation

underneath the Magarpatta flyover and Hadapsar flyover. The mixed traffic

conditions along with the encroached footpaths create frenzied situation at

most times during the day.

17. The road markings are present along the project corridor but are not upto the

mark and maintenance is poor.

18. Strom water chambers and covers are damaged at many locations in the

footpath / service road area of flyovers creating obstruction to the vehicular

movement.



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19. Vehicular movement on the service roads is also restricted due to illegal

parking of vehicles on the service roads.

20. The area beneath the flyovers (seven loves, hadapsar and magarpatta) is

largely unutilized even though at some locations parking facilities have been

developed. Even then, most areas are fenced and unutilized or occupied by

vendors, street urchins, littered with garbage etc. The cleaning or

maintenance of these areas is poor and as such pedestrian movement under

the flyover especially at night time is severely restricted due to these issues.

21. Congestion level is high in the road length which passes through cantonment

area due to reduced width of the road.

22. The parking of many buses outside the PMPML depot at Gadital creates

traffic congestion underneath the work area of the new flyover arm at Gadital

junction. The large vehicles (trucks and buses) ply dangerously close to the

support system of the flyover superstructure formwork and may cause major

mishap if any vehicle accidentally touches the support system.

23. The parking of long distance buses near the end of the Hadapsar flyover on

the service road and main carriageway create obstruction to the movement of

traffic and traffic congestion especially at night time.

24. The retro reflective signage indicating sharp curve and obstruction on the

Magarpatta flyover is absent or inadequate and so are the hazard markers at

the start of the flyover approaches.



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Recommendations

Based on the site visits, study of the existing project drawings, the following

recommendations are made. It is recommended to implement the proposed suggestions in a

phase wise manner. Immediate implementation is Phase I and intermediate implementation

is designated as Phase II.

1) As the dedicated (segregated) BRTS corridor is about 40% length in the entire

stretch. It is recommended that the buses at exit points shall merge at lesser

speed with mixed traffic hence rumbling strips / speed breakers shall be

provided. Also at entry points of the BRTS corridor the demerging of buses

shall be carefully channelized. (Phase I) 2) The BRT corridor shall be guarded to eliminate entry of non BRT vehicles.

(Phase I) 3) PMPML shall shoulder primary responsibility of protecting the BRT corridor

and shall depute their staff to stop the entry of non BRT vehicles. If permitted

by law the heavy fine shall be imposed initially on erring vehicles using BRT

corridor. (Phase I) 4) PMC’s MSW Department shall be instructed that the garbage transport

vehicles shall not enter into BRT corridor. (Phase I) 5) The branches of trees in the high and wide central median (from Fatimanagar

to Ramtekdi) shall be trimmed at regular intervals to restrict their spread not

beyond the edge of median. (Phase I) 6) The cantonment authorities shall be inform to trim the shrubs and bushes at

regular intervals in the stretch adjacent to race course. (Phase I) 7) If possible the high and wide central median in BRT corridor shall be re-

planned with the central median about 0.6 m high and 1.0 m wide. This will

provide more space in the BRT corridor. As an alternative the edges of BRT

corridor shall be cordoned off with separator and railing which will permit total

removal of central median in the BRT corridor. (Phase II) 8) The intersections like

a) Seven Loves flyover

b) Pool Gate

c) Bhairoba Nallah

d) BT Kawade Road intersection



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e) Hadapsar Industrial area intersection

f) Under Hadapsar Flyover (Sasane road intersection)

g) Gadital Beneath flyover

h) Saswad Road Intersection

Are large and shall be re-planned to provide pedestrian refuge areas and

dedicated well defined crossing for pedestrians. It is strongly recommended

that traffic calming measures like Rumbling strips shall be provided in the

BRT corridor, MV lanes and cross roads at intersection. (Phase I & Phase II) The Tee intersection near Sai Automobile (opposite ASPT) shall be provided

with signals (Phase II) 9) The widths of footpath at seven loves intersections shall be increased and the

kerb radii shall be reduced to act as traffic calming measure for turning traffic.

The pedestrian crossings shall be properly marked and shall be provided with

refuge areas. The DP boxes, the water tank signage vertical supports, light

poles shall be suitably relocated. (Phase I & Phase II) 10) Planned pedestrian accesses shall be provided to all centrally located bus

stops with proper lighting and traffic calming measures. Also the bus stops

shall be properly illuminated. It is recommended that high steel railing shall be

provided at the edge of BRT corridor on either side of bus stops to regulate

the bus commuters crossing movements. (Phase II) 11) The continuity of footpaths shall be established by developing missing links

especially from Fatimanagar intersection to Bhairobanallah intersection.

(Phase II) 12) The continuity of cycle tracks shall also be established by concreting the

missing links in the area from Fatimanagar intersection to Bhairobanallah

intersection.

(Phase II) 13) The functioning of street lights and high mast lighting shall be monitored to

ensure effective lighting in the Swargate Hadapsar BRT corridor. (Phase I) 14) In order to avoid accident chances, it is strongly recommended that the

cameras shall be installed in the BRT corridor to monitor the erring traffic

entering into this segregated stretch. It is also recommended to install fix and

PTZ cameras to monitor vehicles moving in wrong direction especially in



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stretch from ROB to PMC limit (both sides). Strict action is recommended

against drivers of such erring vehicles. (Phase II) 15) To provide hassle free movement of pedestrians, the vendors and hawkers

shall be suitably located and it is recommended to warn the shop keepers,

garage owners, tyre shop owners and other bigger shop keepers not to

encroach in the ROW of entire corridor. With effective implementation the

pedestrian movement will be in footpath areas and their movement in the

vehicular carriageway area is stopped which will reduce the chances of

accidents. (Phase I) 16) It is recommended to provide more traffic wardens in Gadital and Magarpatta

flyover area. The designated raised pedestrian crossings shall be provided to

ensure safety of large number of pedestrians in this area. (Phase I) 17) The road markings shall be properly maintained and missing signages shall

be erected at proper places. (Phase I) 18) The damaged storm water chamber covers shall be replaced immediately in

the entire corridor. (Phase I) 19) The identified illegal parking areas shall be monitored properly to ensure

effective width of carriageway at all times. (Phase I) 20) The unused areas below the viaduct portions of flyovers (seven loves,

Magarpatta and Hadapsar) shall be re-planned, redeveloped and illuminated

effectively to ensure better road use and pedestrian segregation with refuge

areas at crossings. (Phase II) 21) The Pune cantonment authorities shall be requested to widen the BRT

corridor in their area to increase the segregated BRT corridor percentage with

respect to entire length. (Phase II) 22) The PMPML authorities shall be requested to stop using area for parking

beneath under construction viaduct portion especially until the entire

construction is complete. The contractor of this flyover shall be asked to

provide more traffic wardens to protect the vertical supports of formwork from

erring vehicles. Also a strong protection system during construction phase is

advised to avoid any impact against vertical support system and to avoid

major accidents. (Phase I)



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23) The illegal parking and boarding place at the end of Hadapsar flyover shall be

properly guarded to force long distance buses not to halt or park. This will

illuminate artificial congestion in this stretch. (Phase I) 24) The effective retro reflective signage shall be installed on Magarpatta flyover

sharp curve. More traffic calming measures are recommended before

commencement of transition curve. (Phase I) 25) It is repeated that the fix and PTZ cameras shall be installed and monitored in

the area from police establishment near Magarpatta flyover to end of PMC

limit to effectively enforce traffic rules and ensure fines to erring drivers.

(Phase II) 26) The fresh pedestrian count survey and if possible origin and destination

survey is recommended in Swargate MSRTC bus station, PMPML boarding

station, Laxminarayan intersection, PMPML depot, Tilak road junction, Shivaji

road junction, Sarasbaug road junction and income tax office area. This will

help to develop required infrastructure conducive to safe and quick pedestrian

movement as this being transfer station area for all commuters. (Phase II) 27) Traffic calming measures with proper signages are recommended near newly

developed tee intersection on top of ROB near Hadapsar. (Phase I) 28) If possible it is recommended to re-plan the kerb arrangement segregating

footpaths, cycle tracks and service road area from main carriageway

especially in stretches where malls and major commercial establishments

have come up to eliminate illegal parking bays and the area is put into use for

identified road use only. (Phase II) 29) It is recommended that PMC shall think on following :

One has to accept the reality that the road widths of even the arterials routes

in the City are inadequate to accommodate the present increased volume of

traffic and huge increase in coming years. And also it will be a difficult task to

increase the existing widths. Under these circumstances rethinking on the

cycle population in the city has dwindled down to the extent of almost

extinction. (actual survey on this road stretch may be conducted in case of

doubt, un- motorized transport is welcome but reality is far different). This

space can be utilized for better footpaths. (Phase II)



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As the above work needs to be carried out in a timely manner, a detailed list

of the concerned departments involved in compliance is attached with the

report.

For Creations Engineers Pvt. Ltd. For Pavetech Consulting Engineering

Services Pvt. Ltd.

Mohan Sakhalkar Vikas Thakar

Managing Director Managing Director



44

List of recommendations and concerned stakeholder

Sr. No Recommendation Phase (immediate/ intermediate)

Concerned stakeholder

1 Traffic calming measures in existing BRTS merging/ demerging locations

Immediate JNNURM II of PMC

2 Reinstatement of BRTS corridor and trimming of high and wide median.

Intermediate JNNURM II of PMC

3 Installation of adequate signals Intermediate JNNURM II of PMC & Electrical Dept of PMC

4 Plugging of breaks in BRTS Immediate JNNURM II of PMC 5 Design, execution and

maintenance of access to all Bus Stops


6 Public awareness initiatives Immediate as well as intermediate

PMC along with Traffic Police Department and active NGO’s

7 Repair of the footpaths and pedestrian crossings


8 Redesigning of footpath and cycle track connectivity’s and pedestrian facilities


9 Wardens for enforcement of unauthorized parkings

Immediate PMC along with Traffic Police Department

10 Providing pedestrian access along the ongoing construction project

Immediate Concerned contractor and execution Dept of PMC etc

11 Thermoplastic road markings Immediate Concerned contractor and execution Dept of PMC etc

12 Resurfacing activities for cross cuts, longitudinal cuts and damaged ramps etc

Immediate Road Department of PMC and Pune Cantonment authorities

13 Rectification of damaged SWD chambers and covers

Immediate Road Department of PMC

14 Installation of fixed and PTZ cameras

Intermediate Concerned department of PMC

15 Utility vendors to enforce adequate safety measure

Immediate Utility vendor to enforce measures



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Sr. No Recommendation Phase (immediate/ intermediate)

Concerned stakeholder

and PMC to monitor strictly

16 Improvement in work zone traffic management and safety of work site and formwork support system

Immediate Concerned contractor and execution Dept of PMC etc

17 Functionality of all street lights and high mast

Immediate Electrical Dept of PMC

18 Traffic signals at junctions during night time

Intermediate Electrical dept of PMC/ Traffic Police Dept

19 Traffic calming at work zone and non BRTS area

Immediate Concerned Department of PMC with Traffic Police department

20 Installation of new railing to segregate BRTS corridor from MV lanes in bus stop area.


21 Redesign of kerbs for BRTS corridor


22 Task force to monitor proper use of BRT corridor

Immediate Road department, Ward office, MSW department and Police

Documents

report on safety audit of pune solapur road between swargate and