Pune: Chakan-Wasuli Road Turns into Death Trap; Five Lives Lost In Ten Days
Ambethan, 14th December 2024: The newly renovated Chakan to Wasuli Phata road in Khed taluka, meant to streamline traffic flow, has become a death trap, claiming the lives of five commuters in just ten days. The victims, predominantly from the working class, are falling prey to a surge in accidents on the stretch between Ambethan and Varale.
The Chakan-Ambethan road serves as a crucial link connecting Chakan city to MIDC Phase 2. Renovated under the Hybrid Annuity Model two years ago, the road’s widening and cement-concrete construction initially drew praise from commuters, industrialists, and locals. Traffic was rerouted through this road to reduce congestion on the Chakan-Talegaon route. However, its smooth surface and increased traffic have led to reckless driving and frequent accidents.
Ambethan, Varale, and Zitraimala have emerged as accident hotspots, with Mhalunge Phata in Varale witnessing three deaths in the past eight days. Two more fatal accidents occurred at other locations along the route.
A mix of factors, including over speeding, competition to overtake vehicles, and the heavy presence of large containers and factory-bound vehicles, has escalated the risk of collisions. Workers rushing to reach their destinations on time further aggravate the problem.
To address the situation, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reportedly included the route in its Safety Audit Report for this year. Measures such as constructing speed breakers at accident-prone junctions and villages have been suggested to control vehicle speed and prevent further loss of life.
Local residents and commuters have urged authorities to take immediate action. They stress the need for speed-control measures, especially in village areas like Varale, before the road claims more lives.
