Out-of-proportions roundabout on NIBM Annexe a bother, say residents | Pune News - The Times of India

Pune: Two months after a temporary roundabout of bollards was removed at Raheja Vista chowk on NIBM Annexe Road, the residents are still waiting for a permanent fix to traffic issues.The roundabout, a crucial junction, was first created without any consultation with the traffic police and led to a protest by citizens in Aug, following which the bollards were removed. After consultations with PMC, a smaller roundabout of bollards was created on trial basis to determine the proper size so that all vehicles could pass easily.Maruti Patil, inspector with the Kondhwa traffic police, told TOI that PMC was informed about the details. "We sent a letter to PMC requesting them to build a roundabout of 18 metres in diameter. The earlier plan was to come up with a 24-metre roundabout, but the size has been brought down taking into account the number of vehicle movements," the officer said.Strangely, PMC officials said the plan was not official. "They (police) have sent us the plan, but they will have to finalise it. What they have sent is a part of a trial. However, we will verify it with the police. The plan is to come up with a roundabout after studying the traffic as the area is expanding," Anil Sonavane, executive engineer with PMC road department, told TOI."We plan to write a letter to the CM. We have approached both Pune traffic police and PMC as many as three times, but haven't got any concrete answer on plans. The traffic in this area is set to increase massively with many housing societies are under construction. The roundabout is too big for a junction and not even at a proper centre," Jaymala Dhankikar, a social worker and resident of Ganga Kingston society, said.Sujata K, a resident of the Raheja Vistas Housing Society, told TOI. "Vehicles coming from all sides converge at this roundabout. I don't understand what the authorities are doing for the last two months. Frequent traffic problems, particularly during the weekends, are happening on the roundabout. Some bollards have been broken or removed, causing major violations and endangering other motorists. The situation is scary."