Pune: The stretch of the Pune-Mumbai highway between Dehu Road and Lonavala is increasingly becoming a hotspot for traffic congestion and accidents. Despite several inspections and proposed safety measures by the Road Development Corporation, the lack of implementation has led to a continued series of accidents.
On Wednesday (June 19) morning, a tragic container accident near Matoshree Hospital in Wadgaon resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to four others, including three students. This incident has intensified calls for urgent safety improvements on the highway.
Villages and growing urban areas on both sides of the highway require residents to frequently cross the road, making the numerous intersections highly dangerous. Increased traffic from local industries and insufficient service roads further contribute to the problem.
Current Issues:
Heavy vehicle traffic due to major companies and local industries.
Encroachments on service roads causing passenger buses and other vehicles to stop on the highway.
Frequent accidents due to sudden loss of vehicle control.
Temporary Measures Taken:
Improvements at Central Hotel Junction in Dehu Road.
Flyover construction at Kamshet.
Ongoing road improvement work at Somatane Phata.
Proposed Permanent Solutions:
Underpasses and flyovers at key intersections.
Improved service roads and installation of traffic signals, signboards, and speed breakers.
Permanent closure of dangerous intersections.
Key Accident-Prone Spots:
Central Hotel in Dehu Road
Shelarwadi Phata
Begdewadi Station Phata
Ladkat Petrol Pump Road
Shirgaon Phata
Somatane Phata
Limb Phata in Talegaon
IBP Petrol Pump (Lake Shore Society)
CRPF Road
Wadgaon-Talegaon Phata
Wadgaon Phata
Matoshree Hospital
New English School
Digvijay Colony
Malinagar
Jambhul Phata
Kanhe Phata
Naigaon Phata
Karla Phata
Wadgaon, a major hub in Maval taluka, has seen significant urban growth on both sides of the Pune-Mumbai highway, necessitating continuous traffic. In the past three years, seven people have died and 10-12 have been injured here. We have been pushing IRB for safety measures for over a year.
Kumar Kadam, Police Inspector, Wadgaon Maval Police Station
As a public representative, I have consistently followed up with the Ministry of Road Development for the past two to three years for underpasses, flyovers, and junctions between Dehu Road and Lonavala. The central government needs to act positively and implement these measures promptly. After the monsoon session of the assembly, I will again meet with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi to advocate for this.
Sunil Shelke, MLA