In an effort to tackle the traffic congestion prevalent in the city, the “City Transformation Committee” issued instructions on Monday to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to mark and officially designate specific areas for auto-rickshaw stands along key thoroughfares. Additionally, as part of the “Mission 32” initiative, the committee aims to clear abandoned vehicles, thereby creating encroachment-free conditions on 32 primary roads.

For the 32 major traffic routes, the Committee has mandated the assignment of 32 officers—one from the Municipal Corporation and one from the Police Department for each road—to act as coordinators. These personnel are tasked with collaborating with relevant departments to oversee the progress of initiatives designed to enhance traffic flow. They are also required to provide a compliance report on these issues ahead of the next committee meeting, as noted by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.

The Pune Transformation Committee, formed by the district collectorate, Pune Municipal Corporation, and city Police, aims to effectively tackle the various urban challenges facing Pune while promoting better coordination among different governmental and semi-governmental bodies. The City Transformation Cell has been established to develop strategies for improving road systems, water supply, drainage, and traffic management, as well as enhancing inter-departmental cooperation and maintaining the city’s cleanliness and visual appeal.

During its second meeting since its establishment in February, the committee focused on the development of 12 “missing link” roads in Pune, addressing various challenges that hinder these projects, including land acquisition issues, encroachments, and land surveys.

The discussions highlighted the need for connections between areas such as Baner-Pashan, Wakad to Kaspate Vasti, Ambedkar Chowk to Rajaram Bridge, and a stretch from Rosary School to Tirupati Nagar in Warje.

Furthermore, the committee engaged with DCP Traffic Manoj Patill regarding the introduction of ‘Pay & Park’ facilities on five significant roads in Pune.

In response to the presence of feeder pillars obstructing sidewalks on 32 designated roads, District Collector Jitendra Dudi instructed the Chief Engineer of MSEDCL to facilitate their prompt relocation.

Additionally, the Municipal Commissioner has called for the urgent initiation of development projects on 32 major roads situated within 32 newly merged villages under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). These roads have been selected in collaboration with the Police Department, following the city’s Revised Plan (RP) road network guidelines.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has identified several areas in the city that are susceptible to waterlogging during the monsoon. As a result, a zone-wise tender process is underway to address these waterlogging concerns, with remedial work being initiated in the respective zones.

Ajay Jadhav serves as an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express in Pune. With over 22 years of experience in journalism, he specializes in urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability.

In his role, Jadhav is central to the editorial management of the Pune bureau, focusing on urban policy and its implications for citizens.

He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He has also attended the esteemed Fergusson College.

Jadhav is recognized for his research-driven articles concerning waste management workers, which have influenced national policy regarding their working conditions. He has also highlighted the disparity between advanced infrastructure projects, such as helipads for officials, and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home regions.

In his personal life, Jadhav enjoys trekking and sports, and his passion for the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

His recent notable articles from December 2025 include coverage of the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, as well as the city’s ongoing infrastructure developments:

• “Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC” (Dec 22, 2025): An analysis of the fierce competition between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the municipal elections on January 15.
• “Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on significant party-switching activities ahead of the elections.
• “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies” (Dec 21, 2025): An examination of the outcomes of local self-government elections as a precursor to the major civic polls.

In the realm of infrastructure and urban development, Jadhav’s articles cover critical projects such as:

• “Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (Dec 22, 2025): An overview of the significant Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026.
• “Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River” (Dec 18, 2025): Details on a major initiative designed to alleviate traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.
• “Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari” (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on assurances from the Union Minister regarding improvements to one of the state’s vital transport corridors.

In terms of civic governance and environmental issues, recent articles include:

• “Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders” (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time.
• “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (Dec 16, 2025): Coverage of administrative efforts to rectify inaccuracies in voter registration data.