Pune’s Navale Bridge Stretch Turns Deadlier: 257 Accidents, 115 Deaths in Five Years

Pune, 15th November 2025: The steep 7-kilometre downhill stretch on the Mumbai–Bengaluru bypass, between the new Katraj tunnel and Navale Bridge, continues to function as one of the city’s most dangerous accident-prone zones.

Despite the speed limit for heavy vehicles being reduced from 60 kmph to 40 kmph, reckless speeding and rule violations remain rampant.

This persistent negligence has resulted in 95 fatal crashes near Navale Bridge in the last five years.

Traffic Police Data Shows:
115 fatalities so far
• 94 people injured in 72 serious accidents
• A total of 257 accidents, including minor ones

The most recent major crash occurred on Thursday, November 13, when the driver of a container truck travelling from Satara towards Mumbai reportedly lost control on the slope. The vehicle ploughed into 10–12 vehicles one after another. Eight people were burnt to death, while 15–16 others sustained serious injuries.

The Navale Bridge stretch has seen several similar incidents in previous years. The sharp gradient often leads to brake failure or loss of control, especially in overloaded or poorly maintained heavy vehicles, resulting in devastating outcomes.

To address the rising number of accidents, authorities had earlier implemented several measures, including reducing the speed limit, installing warning signage, enforcing lane discipline and increasing police patrolling. However, Thursday’s crash has once again exposed widespread non-compliance among heavy vehicle drivers.

Following the latest tragedy, residents and regular commuters are demanding stronger enforcement and long-term safety interventions to prevent further loss of life on this high-risk highway corridor.