In a significant move to enhance road safety, the Pune City Police have implemented traffic changes in the Gangadham Chowk to Aai Mata Temple area. This initiative aims to reduce the gradient of the road, a measure prompted by several accidents in the past, including fatal incidents.
Traffic Diversions Announced for Gradient Reduction Work
According to a press release issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav on Saturday, the road from Gangadham Chowk to Aai Mata Temple will be closed to all traffic until further notice. This closure is essential to facilitate work on reducing the steep slope, which has been identified as a contributing factor to road mishaps in this busy locality.
The police have appealed to citizens to cooperate by using alternate routes to ensure the work proceeds smoothly without any hindrances. The diversion plan is designed to minimize inconvenience while prioritizing public safety.
Detailed Diversion Routes for Vehicles
As per the official release, specific diversion routes have been outlined for different directions of travel:
- Vehicles from Kanha Hotel to Gangadham Chowk: These will be diverted from Pasalkar Chowk towards Bibvewadi Road and from Khadi Machine Chowk towards Kondhwa.
- Vehicles from Gangadham Chowk to Kanha Hotel: These will be redirected along Chandralok Chowk towards Bibvewadi Road and from Lulla Nagar junction towards Kondhwa.
These diversions are part of a broader strategy to manage traffic flow during the construction period, ensuring that commuters can navigate the area safely despite the temporary disruptions.
Background: Past Accidents Prompt Safety Measures
The decision to reduce the road gradient follows a series of tragic accidents at Gangadham Chowk, which have raised serious concerns among residents and authorities alike. In June 2025, a particularly severe incident resulted in the death of a 29-year-old woman, Deepali Yuvraj Soni, and serious injuries to her 61-year-old father-in-law, Jagdish Pannalal Soni, after their bike was hit by a truck.
This accident sparked unrest in the community, highlighting the dangers posed by heavy vehicles and the challenging road conditions near Market Yard. In response, the police had previously imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles heading towards Market Yard and implemented precautions such as deploying additional traffic personnel and installing height barriers.
Further back, in June 2024, another accident claimed the life of Damayanti Bhupendra Solanki (59) and injured her daughter-in-law Priyanka Rahul Solanki (33) after a collision with a dumper truck on the same stretch. These incidents led to public protests demanding action against heavy vehicles and improved road safety measures.
Official Assurance and Ongoing Efforts
Following the June 2025 mishap, Pune City Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar visited the spot and assured residents that steps would be taken to enforce traffic discipline at Gangadham Chowk. The current gradient reduction work is a direct outcome of these assurances, aimed at addressing the root cause of accidents by modifying the road's physical structure.
The steep slope on the stretch between Gangadham Chowk and Aai Mata Temple is now being systematically reduced to prevent future road accidents. This proactive approach underscores the police's commitment to leveraging infrastructure improvements alongside regulatory measures for comprehensive road safety.
Residents and commuters are urged to stay informed about the traffic changes and plan their journeys accordingly. The police continue to monitor the situation closely, with the goal of completing the work efficiently to restore normal traffic flow while enhancing safety for all road users in Pune.
