**Pimpri-Chinchwad: Wakad-Hinjawadi Bridge to Operate as One-Way During Peak Hours**
The Wakad-Hinjawadi Bridge will function as a one-way bridge during peak hours, with three lanes allocated for traffic in one direction based on the time of day, officials announced on Wednesday. This change concerns the Hinjawadi-Wakad Road, a key artery connecting two major IT hubs in Pune.
In addition, the entry and exit points have been modified on the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass section of the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway near the Hinjawadi and Wakad areas to improve traffic flow.
### Background
Wakad and Hinjawadi have faced persistent traffic challenges for several years. Rapid development and infrastructure constraints have struggled to keep pace with the growing population and vehicle volume in these important IT regions.
On Tuesday, Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey visited the area to meet local residents and assess the situation. Activists from the *Unclog Hinjawadi* petition, including Sachin Londhe and Sachin Gunale, were also present during the visit. This initiative was prompted after repeated complaints from the *Unclog Hinjawadi IT Park* petitioners, with traffic congestion being a predominant concern.
Based on observations from residents and PCMC officials, Commissioner Choubey issued instructions to the Traffic Branch authorities to implement measures aimed at easing congestion.
### Bridge Traffic Changes
Police Inspector Rahul Sonawane, in charge of the Hinjawadi Traffic Division, explained the new system in an interview with *The Free Press Journal*:
– **Morning (8 am to 12 pm):**
– The Wakad-Hinjawadi Bridge will operate as a one-way bridge from Wakad to Hinjawadi.
– Three lanes will be dedicated to traffic moving from Wakad to Hinjawadi, and one lane will accommodate vehicles moving in the opposite direction.
– Vehicles traveling from Hinjawadi to Wakad are advised to avoid the flyover and instead take a left turn, then make a U-turn at the Sayaji Underpass to reach their destination.
– **Evening (4 pm to 10 pm):**
– The direction will be reversed, with the bridge operating one-way from Hinjawadi to Wakad.
– Three lanes will be allocated to traffic leaving Hinjawadi bound for Wakad, and one lane will be for vehicles heading toward Hinjawadi.
– Vehicles traveling from Wakad to Hinjawadi should take a left before the flyover and make a U-turn at the Surya Underpass to proceed.
### Changes on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vivek Patil shared further details about adjustments on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway near the Wakad and Hinjawadi zones:
– Entry and exit points have been reconfigured by relocating puncture points to streamline traffic movement—designating specific areas for entry or exit only.
– Temporary barricades have been installed at Bhujbal Chowk on both sides, ensuring vehicles enter the highway from the square but cannot exit there.
– Directional boards have been put up indicating that vehicles coming from Mumbai should exit the highway before the Sayaji Underpass, while those coming from Pune should exit before the Surya Underpass.
Inspector Sonawane added, “Our observations show that most vehicles enter Hinjawadi in the morning and exit in the evening. These directional changes are designed to match this traffic pattern.”
### Resident Feedback and Future Plans
Deputy Commissioner Patil emphasized that these measures are on an experimental basis. Residents and commuters are encouraged to provide their feedback, suggestions, or objections.
Comments can be submitted through the Hinjawadi Traffic Division office located at Bhujbal Chowk or the Traffic Branch Main Office in Chinchwad Gaon, opposite Elpro Mall.
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These proactive steps aim to alleviate persistent traffic congestion and improve daily commute experiences in the rapidly growing Pimpri-Chinchwad IT corridor. Authorities will continue monitoring the impact and make further adjustments as necessary.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-wakad-hinjawadi-bridge-to-become-one-way-changes-on-mumbaibengaluru-highway-as-pimpri-chinchwad-police-implement-key-traffic-measures-in-it-hub