Despite recent efforts by police to curb heavy vehicle movement at the accident-prone Ganga Dham Chowk in Pune's Bibwewadi, local residents are raising fresh concerns about dangerous violations of height barriers that are once again inviting life-threatening accidents.
A few days back (June 11), a tragic accident at Ganga Dham Chowk took place in which a 29-year-old woman riding pillion on a bike was killed and her father-in-law seriously injured after a truck hit them from behind at the deadly junction in Pune.
Acting on the seriousness of the matter, height barriers were installed, heavy vehicle restrictions were enforced, and traffic police were temporarily deployed at the location. These measures brought temporary relief and restored some order to the chaotic traffic situation.
However, heavy vehicles are now exploiting a critical gap near the barrier.
Residents speak up
Atul Jain, a local resident speaking to Free Press Journal, said the heavy vehicles are now exploiting a critical gap near the barrier. These vehicles are taking a diagonal route and driving on the wrong side of the road to bypass the restriction, creating a grave threat to oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and two-wheeler riders.
Another resident, Rajesh Padwal, said, “It is shocking that such a dangerous loophole exists near a barrier meant to prevent accidents. It’s like setting up a trap for another tragedy.”
Pooja Shah, who regularly commutes on the route, expressed, “These heavy vehicles come out of nowhere from the wrong direction. It is terrifying during peak hours, especially when kids and senior citizens are on the road.”
Immediate closure or redesign of the barrier gap being exploited
Regular deployment of traffic police during peak hours
Strict fines for violators flouting the heavy vehicle restrictions
Installation of surveillance cameras if round-the-clock police presence is not feasible
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