Pune: Unsafe Excavation on Koregaon Park Road Raises Serious Safety Concerns
Koregaon Park, 27th April 2026: An alleged breach of civic safety norms has come to light on Koregaon Park Main Road, where an excavation project is underway without visible signage, barricades, or public safety warnings, raising concerns over commuter safety and municipal oversight.
According to eyewitness accounts, the stretch has turned into a potential hazard zone, with deep trenches, exposed pipelines, and construction debris occupying parts of the main carriageway. The absence of reflective barricades or information boards has left motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, vulnerable to accidents, especially during night hours.
Violation of PMC safety norms
As per Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) guidelines, all excavation works within city limits must display key information, including the name of the contractor or executing agency, authorization details, nature and purpose of the work, start and completion timelines, and contact details of the responsible official. However, none of this information was visible at the Koregaon Park site at the time of reporting, raising questions about compliance and official sanction.
Safety risks for citizens
Residents have reported multiple near-miss incidents as commuters attempt to navigate the unmarked stretch. Senior citizens and schoolchildren, who frequently use the road, are among the most vulnerable.
Key safety concerns flagged by locals include uneven road surfaces without warning markers, lack of reflectors or cones after dark, uncoordinated traffic diversions leading to congestion, and unattended machinery and construction material left on the road.
Activists flag systemic lapses
Sachin Bhosale, chairperson of Pune Panther Sena, criticised the situation, calling it a serious lapse in civic responsibility. “What we are witnessing is not just negligence but a systemic failure. A busy public road has been turned into a hazard zone without warnings, signage, or accountability. If an accident occurs, who will be responsible?” Bhosale said.
He further alleged that similar instances of poorly managed or non-compliant civic works have been reported from multiple parts of the city, pointing to gaps in monitoring and enforcement.
Demand for immediate action
Bhosale has urged the PMC to take corrective measures, including installation of mandatory information boards at all excavation sites, proper barricading with reflective signage, regular inspections, and strict action against contractors violating safety norms. He also called for a public disclosure mechanism for all sanctioned roadworks.
Urban governance concerns
The incident has once again highlighted broader concerns around urban infrastructure execution in Pune, where rapid development is often accompanied by lapses in on-ground safety compliance. With no official response from the civic body yet, questions remain over accountability and enforcement of basic safety protocols.
Until stricter compliance and transparent communication are ensured, citizens continue to face risks while navigating such infrastructure works across the city.
