Pune, 6th August 2023: A recent incident at Pune Airport has sparked public frustration as VIP movements took precedence, leading to a massive traffic jam that left citizens stranded. Amandeep Singh, an eyewitness to the unfolding chaos, took to social media to voice his exasperation. Singh’s firsthand account highlighted a nightmarish scenario where he remained stuck in a gridlock for hours due to the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah. His ordeal included inching through a mere 300 meters over the course of an entire hour, with the looming prospect of another hour of delay ahead.
The traffic management efforts orchestrated by Pune Police and Pimpri Chichwad Police’s Traffic Department resulted in diversions on multiple routes within the city. These measures were enacted in accordance with safety protocols surrounding the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah. The minister’s schedule encompassed the inauguration of a new web portal for the Registrar Office in Chinchwad and his participation in the Sugar Conference. Consequently, these protocols were in effect between 8 am and 3 pm.
However, this situation has ignited debates regarding the necessity of such stringent VIP protocols and the significant inconvenience they impose upon ordinary citizens. The incident has drawn attention to the need for a balanced approach that ensures the security of VIPs while minimizing the adverse impact on public mobility and daily routines.
