Navale Bridge Accident: Pune Administration Imposes 30 kmph Speed Limit, Announces New Traffic Rules
Navale Bridge Accident: Pune Administration Imposes 30 kmph Speed Limit, Announces New Traffic Rules
Pune: Days after the deadly accident near Navale Bridge that claimed eight lives and left ten injured, authorities have introduced major traffic safety measures on the Mumbai–Bengaluru bypass. The administration has now enforced a strict 30 kmph speed limit, reducing it from the earlier 60 kmph, as part of an urgent response to recurring accidents on this dangerous downhill stretch.
New Speed Limit, Constant Monitoring
Following the horrific crash, officials have deployed speed guns to continuously monitor vehicle speeds. However, questions remain about whether the decision to halve the speed limit is backed by scientific assessment. It is also unclear whether adequate signage will be installed to warn motorists and help them gradually slow down on the steep slope.
Union Minister Reviews Site, Calls for Strict Action
Union Minister and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol inspected the accident-prone zone on Saturday and held a meeting with officials. Speaking to the media, he stressed the need for stronger road safety measures, stating that frequent accidents on the stretch demand immediate intervention. Controlling vehicle speed and tightening checks on heavy vehicles have become essential, he added.
Heavy Vehicle Checks at Toll Plaza
A major decision has been taken to start rigorous inspections of heavy and overloaded vehicles at the Khed-Shivapur toll plaza. Trucks carrying excess load will be stopped and asked to offload the additional cargo at the toll itself. Technical inspections, including brake tests for heavy vehicles, will also be conducted.
However, these checks are likely to cause significant congestion at the toll plaza. As a backup, authorities are preparing diversion plans via the ring road and the Jambhulwadi–Warje route to ease traffic pressure.
Increased Enforcement, More Speed Guns
From Dari Bridge to Vadgaon Budruk, traffic violators will face immediate action. The corridor currently has three operational speed guns, but their number will be increased. Meanwhile, rumble strips have already been installed along the steep descent between Swaminarayan Temple and Navale Bridge to slow down vehicles.
Comprehensive Measures but New Challenges
To prevent further accidents, the administration is working simultaneously on traffic regulation, heavy vehicle monitoring, and necessary road design modifications. However, these interventions may create new challenges such as increased congestion on local roads and at the toll plaza.
Authorities maintain that despite the expected hurdles, these steps are essential to ensure long-term safety on one of Pune’s most accident-prone stretches.
