PUNE, 23 NOV. The recurring accidents on the Navale Bridge stretch of the Pune-Satara Highway are becoming an unfortunate feature of the city's identity. In an intensive effort to address this, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has shifted its focus to the entire Pune-Satara Highway to reduce the number of mishaps on Navale Bridge. As part of this measure, two flying squads have been deployed near the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza.
Starting Saturday, November 22, a mandatory physical screening of heavy vehicle drivers has commenced. The inspection primarily checks the drivers' eyesight and for signs of alcohol consumption. Additionally, the condition of the vehicles themselves is being thoroughly inspected.
Prior to this action, Pune RTO officials inspected the Navale Bridge and its surrounding areas on Friday afternoon, November 21, assessing designated stopping areas for vehicles. The current inspection drive is being conducted near the weighbridge area of the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza and will continue 24 hours a day.
Driver Screening and Counseling
The screening involves checking the drivers' eyes and sobriety status, along with a general body check-up. RTO Motor Vehicle Inspectors are stationed at Khed Shivapur to counsel heavy vehicle drivers, providing them with crucial information about the accident-prone areas ahead. Drivers are advised on safe practices, such as the steep descent after the Katraj Ghat slope, driving slowly, and strictly avoiding driving in neutral gear.
Action Against Over 100 Vehicles
The RTO's fast-action squad on the Pune-Satara Road has taken action against over 100 vehicles in two days. The penalties were issued for various offenses, including lane cutting, over-speeding, and operating vehicles with expired passing certificates, resulting in a fine collection of over ₹2 lakh. RTO authorities noted that the intensity of the action increased significantly starting Saturday.
Quote:
"To reduce the number of accidents, not only will action be taken against drivers, but they will also be thoroughly counseled. We have also started the physical screening of drivers starting Saturday." — Archana Gaikwad, Regional Transport Officer, Pune.
Public Outrage: Locals Stage Symbolic Funeral for NHAI at Navale Bridge Accident Site
Separately, deep resentment among vehicle users has culminated in public action following the continuous accidents on the Navale Bridge. After a horrific accident ten days prior that claimed eight lives, local residents staged a protest by holding a symbolic funeral ceremony for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at the accident site to express their anger against the increasing number of crashes on the bridge.
The citizens accused the authorities of inaction, stating that despite the recurring accidents and the loss of innocent lives, no concrete measures are being implemented to mitigate the risks on the Navale Bridge. Frustrated by the administration's perceived inactivity, the angry citizens carried out the symbolic funeral.
Local residents directly questioned the central administration, specifically invoking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, asking why work has not commenced despite the availability of funds. One citizen angrily recalled that in 2021, Mr. Gadkari had stated that ₹3,000 crore was allocated. The citizens asserted that this symbolic action was a continuation of an earlier protest and demanded immediate safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
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