Pune: Height Barriers Installed At Gangadham Chowk After Two Fatal Accidents
Pune: Height Barriers Installed At Gangadham Chowk After Two Fatal Accidents
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in coordination with the traffic police, has begun installing height barriers near Gangadham Chowk to restrict heavy vehicle movement, following two fatal accidents on the steep slope in the area.
On June 11 this year, a woman lost her life in a tragic accident at the same spot, nearly a year after a similar incident on June 12, 2024, when another woman was fatally hit by a dumper truck. The earlier accident had sparked massive protests and a rasta roko by residents and political workers, but the implementation of safety measures had been delayed.
After the latest fatality, public pressure mounted once again, with citizens and local leaders demanding immediate action. A formal memorandum was submitted to the police commissioner, urging intervention to prevent further tragedies.
Following a site visit by senior officials from the PMC and traffic police last month, clearance was granted for the installation of height barriers. The work began on Saturday at key locations including near Kanha Hotel and Aai Mata Mandir junction on Gangadham Road. In addition to the barriers, rumble strips are also being painted on the stretch to slow down traffic.
The measures aim to prevent heavy vehicles from descending the steep slope at high speeds, which residents say has long been a source of fear and accidents. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines will not be obstructed by the newly installed barriers.
The move comes after sustained efforts by local residents and political representatives who campaigned for improved road safety in the area.
