Pune-Solapur Highway Safety at Risk as Open Drains Threaten Pilgrims and Commuters
Pune, 6th June 2025: Major safety concerns have arisen on the Pune-Solapur Highway, particularly between Hadapsar and Kawadipat, as several drain covers along both sides of the highway are either missing or broken. With the onset of the monsoon and the imminent arrival of the Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession, the situation has become increasingly urgent.
Local residents report that some individuals are dumping garbage into these open drains, causing water to stagnate. This not only poses a health risk but also creates hazardous conditions for both motorists and pedestrians. Accidents have already been reported due to people falling into these uncovered chambers.
Rahul Ramchandra Shewale, General Secretary of BJP Pune District, has repeatedly raised the issue with municipal authorities. He emphasizes that all necessary repairs and maintenance should be completed before the Palkhi procession, which attracts lakhs of devotees who walk along this route. The presence of open drains without covers on both sides of the highway puts the lives of these pilgrims at serious risk.
Shewale has urgently requested that the Pune-Solapur Highway’s drainage lines and rainwater channels be cleaned, repaired, and fitted with high-quality covers as soon as possible to ensure the safety of all commuters and devotees during this critical period.
