Pune: Residents Protest NIBM–Kondhwa DP Road Plan, Cite Serious Safety Risks
Pune, April 12: Residents from NIBM, Undri, and surrounding areas staged a protest near Bizzbay Mall on Saturday evening, opposing the proposed Development Plan (DP) road connecting NIBM Road to Kondhwa Road, citing major safety concerns.
The demonstration, held at around 5:30 PM, saw participation from several housing societies and local citizens who raised objections to the road’s design and alignment. Protesters warned that the planned merging point near Bizzbay Mall could become a traffic bottleneck, increasing congestion and raising the likelihood of accidents.
Residents expressed particular concern over the steep gradient of the proposed stretch. According to a road safety assessment conducted by Global Traffic Solutions, the 375-metre section has gradients ranging between 10.6% and 13.7%, significantly higher than the 4% limit recommended by the Indian Roads Congress. Such steep slopes, they said, could lead to brake failures, especially in heavy vehicles like tankers and construction trucks.
Locals also pointed to multiple safety hazards, including blind spots, poor visibility, and uneven road surfaces. They fear that vehicles descending from the elevated section may lose control at the junction, posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians.
The area already witnesses heavy traffic, with over 63,000 vehicles passing through the nearby intersection daily. Between 2022 and 2024, at least 13 accidents, including four fatalities, have been reported in the vicinity, further intensifying concerns.
Residents also highlighted the poor condition of existing roads in the area, including potholes and debris, arguing that adding another risky stretch could worsen commuting conditions.
Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation have stated that the concerns will be reviewed. Meanwhile, residents have demanded a redesign of the project and urged authorities to consider safer alternative routes that prioritise commuter safety over rapid execution.
