Pune: The Wagholi-Kesnand Road, a key route connecting to the Ashtavinayak Highway, Nagar Highway, and Solapur Highway, is struggling under the weight of encroachments and poor road conditions.

Commercial boards, makeshift sheds, and roadside vendors have taken over large portions of the road, reducing its capacity to handle the ever-increasing traffic.

The road has become a critical stretch for heavy vehicles due to its strategic connectivity. However, encroachments near the Ayurvedic College area and beyond have severely narrowed the roadway.

Additionally, recurring potholes, particularly near the Wagholi-Kesnand Junction, exacerbate the traffic woes, causing frequent bottlenecks and increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite multiple repair attempts, the potholes continue to resurface. Residents report that temporary patchwork is inadequate, and a permanent solution is urgently required.

"Encroachments and poor road conditions have made commuting dangerous and frustrating. Immediate measures are needed," stated Vipul Shitole, a local resident.

Acknowledging the residents' grievances, Jhanvi Rode, an engineer from the Public Works Department, commented, "We will escalate the issue of encroachments to the municipal corporation. Additionally, we will conduct a detailed inspection of the potholes and undertake necessary repairs to restore the road’s condition."

The citizens of Wagholi are demanding swift action from the authorities to resolve these long-standing issues, as they continue to face daily challenges due to traffic congestion and accidents on this stretch.