1,093 Lives Lost: Pune Rural Tops In Maharashtra For Road Accident Deaths in 2023
A disturbing report released by the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reveals that Pune Rural recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities in 2023, with 1,093 lives lost. This alarming figure surpasses other districts and commissionerates in the state.
Statewide, road deaths marginally decreased from 15,478 in 2022 to 15,434 in 2023. However, CID Chief Prashant Burde acknowledged while speaking with media, “The numbers are still high… attributed to human error and defects in road infrastructure.” Neighboring Ahmednagar district followed with 886 road deaths, while Nashik rural police recorded 853 fatalities.
Pune Rural’s jurisdiction spans from Velhe to Bhor and includes eight major highways with high vehicle movements.
Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh cited to TOI that industrialization, rising population, and inadequate road infrastructure as contributing factors. “The old Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Solapur, and Pune-Ahmednagar highways have several infrastructural issues, including lack of service roads and encroachments,” Deshmukh said.
Overspeeding has emerged as a significant problem, particularly on stretches without dividers. Highway Safety Patrol personnel urged state agencies to erect dividers and address infrastructure issues. Traffic planner Pratap Bhosale emphasized the need for rest areas for heavy vehicle drivers and improved road safety measures.
Citizens highlighted the lack of street lighting on rural roads, while road safety activist Tanmay Pendse told media that proper implementation of traffic laws and awareness programs. “If the government considers citizens as assets, they will improve infrastructure… Authorities must teach traffic rules in schools,” Pendse said.
The alarming numbers underscore the need for urgent attention to road safety and infrastructure in Pune Rural and across Maharashtra.