Pune, 12 July 2025: Heavy vehicles like dumpers, cement mixers, containers, and trucks are becoming a growing menace on Pune’s roads, putting countless lives at risk. Despite repeated restrictions by the traffic police, these vehicles continue to operate recklessly across key routes, especially during peak hours. In a disturbing revelation, official data shows that over the past two and a half years, 214 people have died and 192 have sustained serious injuries in accidents involving such vehicles.
The Pune Traffic Department had designated specific routes and restricted timings for the movement of heavy vehicles, especially during morning and evening rush hours. However, these rules are routinely disobeyed. Many drivers show blatant disregard for the law, brazenly entering the city’s core areas without fear of consequences. This widespread lawlessness has been further fuel by the lack of consistent and strict enforcement by the traffic police.
According to official records, in 2023, a total of 86 fatal accidents led to 95 deaths. In 2024, 80 such incidents claimed 85 lives. By the end of May 2025, 34 people had already died in 34 accidents. This means that, on average, 7 to 8 people are losing their lives every month due to fatal road accidents involving heavy vehicles. The trend also reveals a consistent number of serious injuries, with 79 in 2023, 73 in 2024, and 40 already reported in 2025 so far.
Irresponsible and undisciplined driving habits are major factors behind these tragedies. Many dumpers and trucks are either poorly maintained or operated without proper brakes. Some drivers are reportedly intoxicated or lack awareness, or willfully ignore, traffic rules. In several instances, malfunctioning or unfit vehicles have continued to ply the roads, adding to the risk.
The victims of these accidents are often vulnerable road users, students, cyclists, senior citizens, motorcyclists, and office goers. In addition to fatalities, many survivors have been left permanently disabled, plunging families into long-term financial hardship and emotional trauma. These incidents not only claim lives but destroy entire families in their aftermath.
Despite issuing periodic orders, authorities have failed to implement strong action against violators. Areas like Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Deccan, Sinhagad Road, Kondhwa, Undri, Pisoli, Market Yard, Hadapsar, Yerawada, and Katraj continue to witness heavy vehicle traffic on a daily basis. What’s urgently needed is robust enforcement, imposing heavy fines and taking strict legal action against erring drivers.
As the city expands, with increasing construction and industrial zones, the need for heavy vehicles is understandable. However, their operation must not come at the cost of public safety. Coordinated efforts from the municipal corporation, traffic police, and RTO are essential. There is a pressing need for improved dialogue and collaboration between these agencies to implement effective solutions and safeguard citizens' lives.