Pune: Residents To Protest Against Proposed NIBM–Kondhwa DP Road Over Safety Concerns On April 12
Pune: Residents To Protest Against Proposed NIBM–Kondhwa DP Road Over Safety Concerns On April 12
Pune, April 11, 2026: Residents of the NIBM and Undri areas have intensified their opposition to the proposed Development Plan (DP) road connecting NIBM Road to Kondhwa Road, announcing a public protest scheduled for April 12 at 5:30 PM near Bizzbay Mall.
The protest is being organised to highlight serious safety concerns associated with the proposed road design. According to residents, the stretch where the new road is expected to merge near Bizzbay Mall could turn into a major bottleneck, increasing the risk of traffic congestion and potentially leading to fatal accidents.
Locals have raised objections over the road’s steep gradient and alignment, warning that such conditions could be dangerous, particularly for heavy vehicles like tankers and construction trucks. They fear that vehicles descending from the elevated stretch may lose control, especially at the junction point, posing a significant threat to motorists and pedestrians alike.
The proposed road, which is expected to ease congestion by providing an alternative route between Undri and Kondhwa, bypassing key junctions such as Baker’s Point Chowk and Kausarbaug Chowk, has come under scrutiny for safety-related issues. Residents have pointed out that the stretch includes multiple blind spots, uneven surfaces, and a sharp gradient that could pose significant risks to commuters.
According to a road safety assessment commissioned by residents and prepared by Global Traffic Solutions, the 375-metre stretch has gradients ranging between 10.6% and 13.7%, far exceeding the 4% limit recommended by the Indian Roads Congress. The report warns that such steep slopes significantly increase the risk of brake failure, especially for heavy vehicles like tankers and construction trucks.
The area already experiences high traffic volumes, with over 63,000 vehicles passing through the nearby intersection daily. Between 2022 and 2024, at least 13 accidents, including four fatalities, have been recorded in the vicinity. Poor visibility, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and constrained road geometry have further added to safety concerns.
Residents have also highlighted issues related to existing road conditions on NIBM Road, including potholes, loose debris, and uneven surfaces, which make daily commuting hazardous. They believe that adding another poorly designed road to the network could worsen the situation.
Meanwhile, officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have stated that they will review the concerns raised by residents. The issue is expected to be examined further in light of safety findings and ongoing infrastructure planning in the area.
The agitation comes amid growing frustration among residents, who claim that their concerns have not been adequately addressed despite repeated representations to authorities. Citizens and housing societies from the area are expected to participate in the protest, demanding immediate reconsideration of the project’s design and alignment.
Residents have also urged authorities to explore safer alternatives, including the development of a parallel route that would reduce traffic load without compromising commuter safety. They insist that infrastructure projects should prioritise public safety and proper planning rather than speed of execution.
With the protest expected to draw significant participation, pressure is mounting on the civic administration to respond to the concerns and reassess the feasibility of the proposed road.
