On January 4, 2025, a press conference was held at the Pune Commissioner’s Office to inform the public about a collaborative initiative aimed at tackling the city’s escalating traffic problems. The event was attended by prominent officials from Pune Police and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), long with Milind Rode (MD), and Praveen V Patil (CEO), of Meta Arch Pvt. Ltd., Additional Police Commissioner Manoj Patil, and Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer (Roads) PMC, DCP Bhajibhakre of Pune Police.

Press Conference held at the Pune Commissioner’s Office.

Mr. Pawaskar introduced the new initiative, “Mission 15,” to the press, outlining its focus on improving the traffic conditions on 15 key arterial roads in the city. Mission 15 seeks to address a range of issues obstructing smooth traffic flow by improving infrastructure, reducing congestion, and optimising traffic management. The initiative’s primary objectives include alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing the overall flow of vehicles, and encouraging the use of alternative transportation options such as public transit, cycling, and walking. An additional focus is on improving road safety through the installation of better signage, street lighting, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.

To achieve these goals, advanced traffic management technologies will be integrated, including AI-driven solutions that enable real-time monitoring of traffic and optimised sequencing of traffic lights. This technological overhaul will help better manage traffic volumes and reduce delays. Furthermore, the initiative will introduce dedicated lanes for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, creating safer and more efficient spaces for non motorised road users.

Public awareness is another crucial aspect of Mission 15 and other initiatives. Along with infrastructural changes, the initiatives aims to foster greater compliance with traffic rules, encourage the use of public transportation, and reduce the dependence on private vehicles. By collaborating with urban design and traffic management experts from firms like Meta Arch Pvt. Ltd., the initiative aims to bring innovative, context-specific solutions to Pune’s unique traffic challenges. Through these combined efforts, Pune Police & PMC strives to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban mobility system for the city of Pune.