Pune : Closed exit at Pashan-Sus road bridge irks citizens; causes accidents
Pune : Closed exit at Pashan-Sus road bridge irks citizens; causes accidents
On the approach road leading to the Pashan-Sus bridge and the Pune-Mumbai highway, accidents have been happening almost every day for the past year and a half. Locals claim that this is the result of cars driving erratically on the unfinished road.
Additionally, the Pashan-Sus bridge’s right-side exit has been closed for a while. Because of this, a minimum of 1 or 2 accidents occur each week as a result of various types of vehicles driving on the wrong side of the road in heavy traffic.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Amit Kasar, a resident along the Sus Road said, “Due to this closure there is a rush of people coming the wrong way and an increased number of accidents are happening daily. The service road and turn were there before and it should be there. This is simply a waste of fuel and time for people. Instead of closing, you can have speed breakers/signals on the bridge which will solve the problem. Inconvenience should be considered. The solution should be feasible. There are no exits on both sides of the bridge which were there earlier. Speed breakers, signals can be put there instead of closure.”
Anuja Bali, Member, Pashan-Sus Traffic Management Group said, “Not only citizens from the area, but from entire Pune, have been suffering due to wrong side driving. They start arguing about this & make you feel that you are the problem. Hence, all the wrong-side drivers, be it of any vehicle, must be educated as they can’t drive wherever they want to. Either their license should be revoked or they should be levied a heavy penalty as, due to them, a lot of accidents happen on an everyday basis.”
Bali further added “Due to the closed right turn, which leads to the highway, motorists have to go down from the bridge, take a complete U-turn & then come up on the bridge & take a left turn to proceed towards the highway. So, it’s very long. As I commute from there, I know the situation & motorists are not bothered about this as they want to save fuel & time. Hence, this leads to wrong-side driving. It is very simple that the right turn has to be opened again.”
Bali added that on average, a minimum of 15 accidents take place every month due to the nuisance of wrong-side driving. Bali stressed the need for proper no-parking sign boards, zebra crossing markings, speed breakers, proper bicycle tracks, encroachments and many more.
Ajaykumar Wayse, Executive Engineer, PMC said, “The work of the approach road will be completed within 15 days. Only the tarring work is remaining. Earlier, a piece of land had to be acquired. Now, after the tarring work is done, the approach road will be completed & open for traffic.”
Shreyas Vange
