Pune Divisional Commissioner Orders Strict Crackdown; Driving Licence Suspension After Three Traffic Offences
Pune Divisional Commissioner Orders Strict Crackdown; Driving Licence Suspension After Three Traffic Offences
Pune, November 18, 2025: Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar has directed authorities to launch a strict crackdown on traffic rule violators to bring discipline to Pune’s roads and reduce accidents. He also ordered an immediate investigation into the recent fatal accident at Navale Bridge and instructed all agencies to implement short-term and long-term safety measures on the route without delay.
Dr. Pulkundwar issued these directives during a review meeting on Pune’s traffic situation held at the Vidhan Bhavan. Present at the meeting were Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Yogesh Mhase, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, PMPML Chairman and Managing Director Pankaj Deore, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Manoj Patil, NHAI Project Director Sanjay Kadam and other senior officials. SaveLIFE Foundation CEO Piyush Tiwari joined the meeting through videoconferencing.
A few years ago, SaveLIFE Foundation had submitted a detailed report on the causes of accidents between the New Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge, along with recommended corrective measures. Several of these suggestions were implemented with coordination among various agencies. However, in light of the recent serious accident, Dr. Pulkundwar has instructed the foundation to conduct another comprehensive study of the stretch, with full cooperation from all government departments. Tiwari assured that the updated report would be submitted within two weeks.
Dr. Pulkundwar emphasised the need for strict enforcement and said every traffic rule violator must be fined. Driving licences should be suspended for individuals who commit more than three offences, and vehicles should be seized if violations continue even after suspension.
He directed the District Collector to hold monthly reviews of road safety and ensure the completion of previously recommended measures. Agencies responsible for road maintenance must keep roads in good condition and ensure smooth traffic movement, failing which they will face action from the District Magistrate.
The Divisional Commissioner also instructed authorities to install rumblers, traffic signs, boards and barriers at appropriate locations on highways. SaveLIFE Foundation has been asked to identify accident-prone spots, traffic congestion points and road design flaws across Pune and recommend suitable solutions, which concerned agencies must implement.
The Traffic Branch has sent a proposal to the state government seeking additional manpower and follow-up is underway. Until the approval is granted, agencies responsible for roads must assign traffic wardens as required, Dr. Pulkundwar said.
PMC Commissioner Ram noted that several major road and bridge construction works are underway across the city and PMC is deploying traffic wardens at these locations. He also suggested involving private NGOs in traffic management efforts.
PMRDA Commissioner Dr. Mhase highlighted the urgent need for immediate action at accident blackspots. District Collector Dudi stressed the requirement of an Integrated Traffic Control Centre for Pune, similar to the system operational in Hyderabad. Dr. Pulkundwar instructed authorities to study the Hyderabad model and take necessary action.
Senior officials from PMRDA, PMC’s Road Department, Pune Traffic Police, NHAI, PWD and representatives from SaveLIFE Foundation were also present at the meeting.
