Vetal Baba Chowk Cluster: Junction Redesign and Improvement for Pedestrian Safety

As part of the project under Junction Redesign and Improvement for Pedestrian Safety, Parisar supported by AXA Business Services had prepared a proposal for Vitthal Tukaram Bhosale Chowk (JW Marriot Junction) and Vetal Baba Chowk of Senapati Bapat road in Pune city and proposed it to Pune Municipal Corporation in 2019. The corporation authority had approved the proposal for trial and implementation under Pan-city Junction improvement project of Pune Smart City.

The existing condition and geometry of the junctions were documented, analyzed the issues and the correct geometry was designed and proposed. The trial was conducted, and observations were considered to modify the geometry accordingly and the final geometry is executed on site.

Selected Junctions on SB Road

Highlighted issues:

  • Poor and unsafe junction geometry.
  • Free left without refuge island making it unsafe for pedestrians while crossing.
  • Higher turning radius creating blindspots on corner for pedestrians.
  • Missing median refuge space.
  • Missing safety elementslike kerb ramps.
  • Poor visibility of signals and junction geometry.
  • Vehicles do not stop on stop line.

Vetal Baba Chowk Issues IdentifiedVetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 2Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 3Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 4Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 5Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 6Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 7Vetal Baba Chowk Issues Identified 8

Project output: 75% executed as Proposed

  • Designed junction geometry has improved safety and visibility for pedestrians as well as for other road users.
  • Improved geometry has reduced conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Safer corners due to compact turning radius. 
  • Wide and visible footpaths.
  • Reduced crossing length.
  • More pedestrians use footpath to walk & cross, and there is change in perception of safety.
  • Visible and well-placed pedestrian crossings at kerb ramps.
  • Inclusive as differently abled compliance.

Vetal Baba Chowk - Existing geometryVetal Baba Chowk - Movement patternVetal Baba Chowk - Proposed geometry

The following "Before & After" photos highlight the improvements that have taken place at the junction.

Vetal Baba Chowk Before After 1Vetal Baba Chowk Before After 2Vetal Baba Chowk Before After 3

Design element not executed:

  • Execution of pedestrian refuge island and median refuge space is halted due to opposition by some stakeholders concerned about reduced vehicular road space at junction.

Teams Involved:

  • Parisar - Mr. Ranjit Gadgil, Ar. Aditya Chawande
  • PMC - Road Department EE. Mr. Dinkar Gojare, DYE Mr. Nimhan,  JE. Mr. Manohar Shinde, UD. Ar. Shweta Shirke
  • PSCDCL - CE. Mr. Godbole, EE. Mr. Suresh Borse, JE. Mr. Rushikesh.
  • Contractor - SN Jindhe