Pune: Night Excavation on Katraj-Kondhwa Road Leaves Residents Sleepless

Pune, 8th October 2026: The rush to complete the long-delayed Katraj-Kondhwa road widening project appears to be coming at the cost of residents’ sleep, with heavy machinery allegedly being used for excavation late at night, triggering complaints over noise pollution.

Residents disturbed by the loud noise from poclains and breakers called the police helpline 112. Police reached the spot and stopped the work being carried out at night.

The Katraj-Kondhwa road project has been pending for nearly nine to 10 years. At least 21 people have died in accidents on the road, leading to repeated demands for its early completion. However, the use of heavy machinery at night to speed up the work has now raised questions over compliance with noise pollution regulations.

Rules governing noise pollution restrict construction, excavation and other activities involving high levels of noise during night hours. Courts have also issued directions regarding restrictions on noise pollution. Despite this, there is no clarity yet on who authorised the use of poclains and breakers for excavation at night.

“Poclain and breaker work cannot be carried out at night as it involves noise pollution. No permission has been given so far to carry out night work on this road. I will check the matter and provide details,” said Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, deputy commissioner, traffic branch, Pune.

PMC executive engineer Dhananjay Gaikwad said excavation work was generally carried out during the day, while material such as murum was shifted at night. “There is a possibility that poclains may have been operating at some locations. I will check the matter,” he said.

Residents have questioned whether speeding up the project justifies disturbing people living along the busy road during restricted night hours.