Vehicle speed in Pune rises by 10.44%, congestion drops by 53%: Study
Officials attribute these improvements to measures such as signal synchronization and enhanced training for traffic personnel in soft skills
The city traffic branch has reported a significant improvement in traffic conditions over the past four months, with vehicle speeds increasing by 10.44% and congestion at key choke points reducing by 53%, as per a study undertaken by Pune traffic police.
Officials attribute these improvements to measures such as signal synchronization and enhanced training for traffic personnel in soft skills.
Traffic police have identified 11 major causes of congestion in Pune, including indiscipline at junctions, violation of traffic rules, potholes, ongoing infrastructure projects, heavy vehicle flow, festivals, processions, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, VIP movements, and malfunctioning traffic signals.
A police study revealed that 184 traffic congestion incidents occurred in January 2024, compared to 118 in February and 126 in March.
Manoj Patil, additional commissioner of police, said the department closely monitors congestion through live traffic feeds from major roads, with a primary focus on 32 key arterial routes.
“Control room staff promptly respond to congestion alerts from live feeds, public complaints, and other sources by coordinating with ground staff to clear traffic,” he said.
The study also found that average congestion levels fell to 34% in November-December 2024, compared to 36% during the same period in 2023.
Several measures have contributed to these improvements, including banning right turns at select intersections, widening roads in coordination with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), relocating luxury bus stands, and removing encroachments.
Patil noted that while authorities can regulate traffic at junctions, ensure discipline, and manage congestion during festivals, certain factors like vehicle breakdowns, VIP movements, and sudden signal failures remain beyond their control.
“Traffic police identified 20 hotspots where congestion occurs repeatedly. Short-term interventions such as relocating bus stops, shifting private luxury bus stands, removing traffic islands, and segregating heavy vehicles have significantly eased congestion,” said Patil.
The additional police commissioner attributed the successful synchronization of signals at Juna Bazaar Chowk and RTO Chowk as a cost-effective measure that increased vehicle speed and reduced congestion.
“As a result, daily traffic jams have dropped from 38 to 22, allowing commuters to spend less time stuck in traffic. Patil highlighted that these strategic interventions have made Pune’s traffic management more efficient and cost-effective,” said Patil.
Comparing traffic patterns from November-December 2023 to the same period in 2024 and early 2025, congestion levels have dropped by 21%, and the average time to travel 10 km has been reduced by one minute.
In 2023, Pune commuters spent an average of 109 hours and 45 minutes in traffic annually. This figure dropped to 108 hours in 2024 and further improved in 2025. Overall, average vehicle speed has increased by 10.05%.
“I urge the police to continue their efforts towards improving the traffic situation in the city and implement more innovative solutions to ensure a safe commute for all,” said Jaymala Dhankikar, activist.
