Punawale, Tathawade Residents Demand Strict Action on Heavy Vehicle Ban Violations
Punawale, Tathawade Residents Demand Strict Action on Heavy Vehicle Ban Violations
Despite police orders and extended restrictions, heavy construction vehicles continue to clog peak-hour traffic in Pune’s fast-growing suburbs.
Residents of Punawale, Tathawade, and nearby areas are calling for stricter enforcement of the heavy vehicle ban, alleging that trucks carrying construction materials routinely violate restricted hours, causing severe traffic congestion.
“Police orders have made little difference,” said one Punawale resident, adding that locals had met concerned officials to discuss the daily bumper-to-bumper jams. Another resident claimed the situation worsens during peak hours due to the absence of traffic wardens and poor road maintenance.
Pimpri Chinchwad police acknowledged the problem but said a special enforcement drive has been in place since August 1. “We have begun registering cases under section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against offenders. Between August 1 and 10, we lodged 102 cases against owners of 150 vehicles and imposed fines,” a traffic police official stated.
Two days after a recent accident, the heavy vehicle ban was extended by an hour in the morning and evening. Heavy vehicles are now barred from city limits from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 10 pm. However, residents say the violations persist.
Rapid development in Punawale and Tathawade, driven by their proximity to Hinjewadi IT Park, has brought a large population of IT professionals to the area. But the persistent traffic snarls are prompting many to relocate, leaving property owners struggling to find tenants.
Officials say more changes to traffic management are planned, aiming to further improve the situation. For now, residents remain sceptical, citing years of unkept promises and little visible change on the ground.
