Pune: Traffic Congestion and Safety Issues in Undri, NIBM, and Kondhwa Under Scrutiny After Fatal Accident

manoj patil at nibm
Share this News:

Mohammadwadi, 17th January 2025: In the wake of increasing traffic congestion, rising accidents, and the tragic death of Dr. Pranali Date in a road accident involving a truck in Undri, the Pune Traffic Police have ramped up efforts to address the situation.

Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP), Eastern Region, Manoj Patil, recently toured the affected areas of Undri, Mohammadwadi, NIBM, and Kondhwa. During his visit, he directed traffic officials to implement measures aimed at decongesting roads and improving overall traffic management.

Key Directives to Address Issues

ACP Patil instructed the Traffic Police Inspectors of Kondhwa and Kade Padal divisions to collaborate with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to align road planning with the Development Plan (DP). He also emphasized the need for immediate action on removing encroachments, relocating hawkers, and completing unfinished road repairs. “We are conducting a comprehensive survey of all traffic bottlenecks and accident-prone areas. Based on this, I have instructed traffic divisions to develop road safety plans aligned with the civic body’s DP. Public feedback will also be sought to ensure sustainable and effective solutions,” Patil said.

Civic Body Criticized for Neglect

Local residents and organizations expressed their dissatisfaction with the PMC and traffic police, accusing them of negligence. Jaymala Dhankikar, Director of NIBM Annexe Forum, remarked, “The authorities have failed to prioritize road safety. Even after Dr. Date’s unfortunate death, the response from the administration has been disappointing. We demand a judicial probe to identify accountability and ensure such incidents are not repeated.”

The Mohammadwadi Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation (MURWDF) echoed similar concerns in a recent complaint to the Chief Minister’s Office. The petition highlights that Undri was merged under the PMC in October 2017, yet the Development Plan remains unapproved. “Three commissioners have come and gone, but the residents’ plight remains unchanged,” the petition stated.

Dangerous Roads and Infrastructure Challenges

Residents pointed out specific areas that have become accident hotspots due to poor road conditions, encroachments, and inadequate planning. Roads like Undri Marg, Kad Nagar Chowk, Palace Orchard Road, and the stretch from Royal Heritage Mall to the Indian Oil Petrol Pump T-junction are riddled with potholes and encroachments, turning them into death traps. At Kad Nagar, electricity poles precariously stand in the middle of widened roads, while illegal parking adds to the chaos.

MURWDF Director Sunil Koloti criticized unchecked construction in the area, which has added over 3,000 new flats to an already struggling infrastructure. “For more than 18 years, we have been given empty promises by developers, politicians, and bureaucrats. Manifestos are shared during elections, but after winning, they never engage with us to address the issues. Residents are left feeling betrayed while unsafe roads and inadequate facilities persist,” Koloti said.

Traffic Police Commit to Action

Traffic Police Inspector Santosh Sonawane, responsible for the region, stated, “Following the ACP’s directions, we will soon issue letters to the PMC, urging them to expedite road development as per the DP plan. Simultaneously, we will take strict action against traffic violators to enhance road safety.”

The Way Forward

The residents of Undri, NIBM, and Kondhwa are hopeful that the renewed attention from the police and civic authorities will finally address long-standing infrastructure challenges. However, they stress the need for accountability and consistent follow-up to ensure promised measures are implemented effectively.