The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) recent installation of a new height barrier at the Sasanenagar underpass in Hadapsar has backfired, leading to severe traffic disruptions instead of providing a solution. The move, intended to replace a damaged structure, has created a new problem due to inadequate planning and warning signs, trapping vehicles and frustrating thousands of daily commuters.
What Went Wrong at the Underpass?
The root of the current crisis dates back to November 20, when the original height barrier was knocked down after being hit by a dumper. This underpass, situated below the railway tracks, is a vital connection for people traveling from Hadapsar towards areas like Undri, Chintamaninagar, and Handewadi. Following a report by The Times of India on the damaged infrastructure, the civic body acted to install a replacement barrier.
However, the PMC's fix has proven to be poorly executed. The new barrier was installed on only one side of the underpass. This asymmetrical setup, combined with a critical lack of proper signage, has turned the passage into a trap. Large vehicles enter from the open side, only to discover too late that a barrier blocks their exit. The result is that single vehicles frequently get stuck, bringing all traffic to a standstill for hours at a time.
Residents' Fury and Official Jurisdiction Tangle
Local residents are bearing the brunt of this administrative failure. Amol Shelke, a resident of Yash Ravi Park, highlighted the recurring nature of the problem. "We often face traffic snarls for hours when heavy vehicles get trapped," he said. "Recently, a DJ truck got stuck at the barrier, and this is becoming a regular occurrence. The damaged portion has not been fully removed, and the issue remains unresolved."
Officials point to a complex jurisdictional issue. Shantilal Kolekar, deputy engineer (projects) for PMC, explained that the underpass was constructed by the railways. "We have written to the railway department to install a height barrier on the subway at LC No. 6 at Kale Padal after it was knocked down by a dumper," Kolekar stated. He added that the PMC cannot install barriers on the approach roads as they might obstruct the movement of emergency vehicles like fire tenders.
A Recipe for Recurrent Gridlock
The current situation presents a clear and ongoing danger. The barrier effectively restricts entry from one direction but remains invisible to large vehicles approaching from the opposite side. This design flaw guarantees repeated incidents. Each time a truck or bus gets wedged, it creates a domino effect, paralyzing a key transport link and wasting the time and fuel of countless commuters.
The episode underscores a larger issue of coordination between civic bodies and the railways in managing urban infrastructure. Until a synchronized solution—involving proper barriers on both ends and clear, advanced warning systems—is implemented, the Sasanenagar underpass will continue to be a hotspot for traffic chaos, much to the dismay of Pune's citizens.
