Pune District Collector Mandates Stringent Road Safety Actions to Curb Fatalities
District Collector Jitendra Dudi on Thursday issued directives for the implementation of rigorous measures aimed at reducing road accident deaths across Pune district. He highlighted that an average of 900 individuals lose their lives in accidents within the district each year, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated and decisive intervention to prevent these casualties.
Emphasis on Enforcement and Citizen Responsibility
While presiding over a meeting of the district road safety committee at the collectorate, Dudi stated, "Traffic rule violations are a major contributor to congestion and accidents. Strict enforcement is critical, but citizens must also practise self-discipline." He stressed that offenders must face firm penal actions and reiterated that the licenses of vehicle owners who fail to settle fines should be revoked. To date, approximately 3,000 licenses have already been cancelled, he noted, emphasizing the importance of addressing accident-prone areas known as black spots.
Survey and Rectification of Black Spots
Dudi reviewed previous instructions and confirmed that the regional transport department has completed its survey of black spots. "Of the 42 identified locations, work has commenced on 15, while the departments concerned have been directed to address the rest," he explained. He called for a detailed survey and immediate rectification work to avert further loss of life. In response to increasing traffic volumes in the Hinjewadi and Chakan regions, Dudi also advocated for special safety measures along these corridors.
Action Against Unauthorized Hoardings and Ghat Road Safety
The collector directed several agencies, including MSRDC, NHAI, and PWD, to take action against unauthorized hoardings within their jurisdictions. After issuing 21-day notices, any remaining illegal structures must be removed, he ordered. On ghat roads, Dudi imposed a ban on overtaking by lane-cutting and instructed authorities to install adequate warning and cautionary signboards to enhance safety.
Guidelines for Speed Breakers and Joint Inspections
Dudi clarified that speed breakers should not be installed on main roads. "At hazardous junctions, they should instead be placed on approach or secondary roads, strictly adhering to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms and proper markings," he said. He recommended smooth speed-calming techniques similar to those utilized during the Pune Grand Tour Cycle Race, in alignment with IRC guidelines. To tackle accidents near Navale bridge, Dudi announced that a joint inspection will be conducted on Monday by a team from IIT Delhi, along with officials from NHAI, the police, and the municipal corporation.
Meeting Attendees and Broader Implications
The meeting was attended by key officials, including PWD superintending engineer Bharatkumar Bawiskar, Pune city traffic DCP Himmat Jadhav, assistant regional transport officer Swapnil Bhosale, Pimpri Chinchwad official Rahul Jadhav, Baramati official Surendra Nikam, NHAI project director Sanjay Kadam, and representatives from various social organizations. These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to road safety, combining enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness to significantly reduce accident rates in Pune.
