Pune: PMC Targets 667 Improper Speed Breakers, Removes 250 in First Phase
Pune: PMC Targets 667 Improper Speed Breakers, Removes 250 in First Phase
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking action to remove speed breakers placed improperly on city roads. The first phase focuses on speed bumps on main streets, with internal roads to be addressed next.
So far, 250 such speed breakers have been removed. The city has around 1,400 kilometers of roads within its old limits, excluding newly added villages. Speed breakers were installed based on public or representative requests, especially in accident-prone areas or to control speeds. However, many do not meet Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines, leading to inconsistencies in height, width, and size.
These poorly designed speed bumps have caused traffic congestion, particularly at intersections, sparking complaints from citizens and police. This prompted the PMC to prioritize their removal.
A 2017 survey identified 1,500 speed breakers in the city, but no updates have been made since. A recent PMC Road Department survey of 378 roads identified 667 inappropriate speed breakers. Of these, 250 have already been dismantled in the ongoing removal process.
The situation in newly merged villages remains unclear. The PMC lacks records of speed breakers in these areas, which have added 500-600 kilometers of roads to the city’s network. A survey is currently underway to identify speed bumps, potholes, and other obstructions in these regions.
Guidelines mandate that all speed breakers be documented in a centralized register, with details such as type, location, installation date, and approval references. Officials aim to update these records for improved road management across the city.
The PMC’s efforts aim to streamline traffic flow and address safety concerns caused by it.
