Pune: Heavy Vehicle Rules ‘Only on Paper’? Mohammadwadi Residents Demand Strict Enforcement After Fatal Crashes
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 28th September 2026: The movement of heavy vehicles on residential roads in Mohammadwadi has come under renewed scrutiny following the death of a 20-year-old biker in a dumper accident near Raheja Vista.
Residents have alleged that despite restrictions and safety instructions issued by authorities, dumpers and other heavy vehicles continue to operate on residential roads without adequate enforcement.
The latest incident occurred on September 21, when a motorcycle carrying two youths collided with a dumper near Raheja Vista Society in Mohammadwadi. Hamza Ibrahim Sarkar, 20, died in the accident, while his friend, Quais Wasim Khan, sustained serious injuries.
The incident sparked concern among residents, who questioned the continued movement of heavy vehicles through residential stretches and called for stricter enforcement of existing safety norms.
Residents question implementation of heavy-vehicle timings
API Devendra Pawar of the Kalepadal Traffic Division said dumpers are permitted to operate between 12 pm and 5 pm, while concrete mixers are permitted to operate between 11 am and 5 pm.
Residents, however, said prescribed timings alone cannot ensure road safety unless they are properly monitored and enforced.
Ashok Mehendale, a resident of Raheja Vista Society, said the restrictions appear to exist only on paper and alleged that dumpers and other heavy vehicles continue to be seen on residential roads during the day.
Residents have also questioned whether heavy-vehicle operators are complying with the safety measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) communicated by the authorities.
‘The concern is safety, not just timings’
Suniel Aiyer of the Mohammadwadi Undri Residents Welfare and Development Foundation said the issue extends beyond the timings prescribed for heavy vehicles.
“The concern is about the timing, but more importantly, it is about safety. The question is whether they are actually following the timings or not. There have been interactions with the authorities, and certain safety measures and SOPs have been given. The police have also issued instructions, including requirements such as 360-degree cameras and other safety measures. If those instructions are not being followed, then such incidents will continue to happen,” Aiyer said.
He added that similar concerns have been raised in neighbouring areas.
“This is not happening only in Mohammadwadi. The same concerns are there in Undri, Pisoli, Handewadi and other areas as well,” Aiyer said.
Earlier tanker death had raised similar concerns
The latest dumper crash has also brought back concerns raised after an earlier fatal accident in the Mohammadwadi area.
On April 5, 19-year-old Aariz Shaikh, a Class 12 student and football player, was killed after a water tanker hit his two-wheeler near the Siddheshwar Temple area of NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi. The incident led residents to demand restrictions on the movement of water tankers, dumpers, JCBs and other heavy vehicles during the day.
Residents said that despite the earlier incident and subsequent demands, heavy vehicles continue to be a major safety concern on Mohammadwadi’s roads.
Residents seek enforcement before another accident
Activist Jaymala Dandekar has also raised concerns about road safety in Mohammadwadi, including the need for improved traffic management and infrastructure on accident-prone stretches.
Residents have pointed to inadequate traffic-control measures at some locations and demanded stricter monitoring of heavy vehicles.
They are seeking regular enforcement of the prescribed timings, checks to ensure that safety equipment such as 360-degree cameras is installed and functional, and action against operators who violate the rules.
Residents said the issue is not simply about restricting heavy vehicles but ensuring that existing safety instructions are followed and enforcement is strengthened to prevent further accidents.
