Pune: Another Crash at SM Ghule Circle Raises Fresh Road Safety Concerns in Mohammadwadi
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 30th September 2026: A jeep collided at SM Ghule Circle in NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi, on Wednesday, once again raising concerns over road safety at the junction. The circumstances leading to the crash are yet to be officially established.
Residents present at the spot alleged that they were prevented from taking photographs of the accident and also raised concerns over the possibility of drunk driving. However, no official confirmation regarding alcohol consumption or the cause of the crash was immediately available.
The latest incident has renewed demands from residents for an urgent redesign of SM Ghule Circle, which they claim has been a longstanding road-safety concern.
Husain Shaikh, a local resident, said the repeated accidents at the junction show the need for immediate intervention by the authorities. He said residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the size and design of the circle and called for measures to improve visibility and regulate the movement of vehicles.
“Residents have been raising concerns about this junction for a long time. The authorities should not wait for another fatal accident before taking corrective measures. The circle needs to be scientifically redesigned, with proper visibility, lighting and traffic management,” Shaikh said.
Suniel Kaloti, another resident, said the issue was not limited to one accident and that the junction required a comprehensive safety assessment.
“The repeated crashes indicate that there is a serious road-safety issue here. Authorities should conduct a proper road-safety audit and identify the reasons behind these accidents. Adequate lighting, CCTV surveillance, lane discipline and effective traffic regulation are urgently required,” Kaloti said.
The concerns have also been raised previously by Ward 41 corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal and local residents, who have demanded that the extra-large circle be reduced and redesigned to improve visibility, traffic movement and pedestrian safety.
The latest crash comes against the backdrop of two fatal accidents reported in the wider NIBM Annexe-Mohammadwadi area this year.
On April 5, 2026, 19-year-old Ariz Shaikh was killed after the two-wheeler he was travelling on was hit by a water tanker near NIBM Annexe.
On September 21, 2026, 20-year-old Hamza Sarkar died after a dumper collided with the motorcycle he was travelling on in Mohammadwadi. Following Sarkar’s death, residents had also organised a candle march and raised concerns over the movement of heavy vehicles in the area.
Residents are now demanding an urgent road-safety audit of SM Ghule Circle, along with a scientific redesign of the junction, improved street lighting, CCTV cameras, clearer traffic regulation and measures to improve pedestrian safety.
With another crash reported at the junction, residents fear that continued inaction could result in further serious accidents.
The authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s collision and assess whether changes to the existing road layout and traffic management are required.
