PUNE, 15 NOV. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to install rumble strips between the new Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge to control vehicle speed and prevent accidents in the area. This step was taken following a recent fatal accident at the Navale Bridge that claimed eight lives, which brought the issue of commuter safety to the forefront.
According to the PMC administration, high-quality rumble strips will be installed every 500 meters on this stretch of road, which is expected to significantly reduce the number of accidents.
The decision was finalized during a meeting held at the PMC on Friday, attended by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, and officials from various PMC departments. The meeting determined that the majority of accidents occur because heavy vehicles lose control due to the steep slope near the Navale Bridge.
Commissioner Ram stated that measures to reduce accidents will be implemented in three phases:
Installation of LED signboards.
Police imposition of fines on vehicles violating speed limits.
Reducing the speed limit from 60 km/h to 40 km/h.
Planning the installation of speed-measuring devices and cameras on the road.
Action will also be taken against vehicles illegally parked on the road.
In addition to these immediate measures, the Commissioner also mentioned that efforts are underway to complete the work on four service roads between Balewadi and Katraj/Hinjewadi within the next six months. This 32 km elevated road aims to be an alternative route for heavy vehicles, helping to alleviate traffic congestion on the Pune-Bengaluru highway and near the Navale Bridge. The PMC is studying proposals to compensate landowners for acquiring necessary land through TDR (Transferable Development Rights), FSI (Floor Space Index), or cash.
