Pune: The old Katraj Ghat road, once a vital route for travelers, is now facing serious safety concerns. Damaged protective barriers, lack of streetlights, absence of CCTV cameras, and poor road conditions have led to increasing demands from locals and commuters for immediate action from the authorities.

Major Safety Issues

• Damaged Guardrails – Many protective barriers along the ghat are broken or weakened, posing a major risk to vehicles.

• Poor Lighting in Katraj Tunnel – The lack of streetlights inside the tunnel increases the risk of accidents at night.

• Lack of Road Safety Features – Many parts of the ghat lack proper road markings, reflectors, and speed control measures like rumble strips.

Tourist Attraction, But No Safety Measures – Katraj Ghat is becoming a popular monsoon getaway, with many tourists stopping to enjoy the scenic views, but the lack of proper safety measures puts their lives at risk.

Landslides and Waste Dumping: An Alarming Concern

• Frequent landslides lead to rocks falling onto the road, especially during heavy rainfall, increasing the danger for commuters.

• Illegal dumping of medical and construction waste in the ghat area has raised environmental concerns.

• The abandoned police checkpoint in the ghat needs urgent repairs, and night patrols must be increased for better security.

Development Plans Underway

The Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar Ward Office has assured that they are planning improvements for Katraj Ghat. According to Assistant Commissioner Surekha Bhanage, a proposal is being prepared to:

• Repair the road and enhance infrastructure

• Build an entrance arch to highlight the historical importance of the ghat

• Install clear and informative signboards for travelers

However, locals insist that immediate action is needed before more accidents occur.