Pune News: Punawale residents demand repairs of service roads urgently

The condition of service roads near the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Punawale, Pune, has reached a critical state, endangering the lives of residents. A recent accident involving a woman and her children on a two-wheeler due to deep potholes has highlighted the urgent need for repairs.

The service roads, worsened by heavy rains, are full of deep potholes and lack proper drainage. This issue poses severe risks to daily commuters, especially those travelling to the Hinjawadi IT Park. Traffic congestion has become severe, with a mere 100 meters taking 20 to 25 minutes to cross.

Local MLA Ashwini Jagtap has taken action by writing to NHAI, urging immediate repairs. “Traffic congestion along the Tathawade-Punawale underground road and service road persists due to potholes and accumulation of debris. Urgent repair works are imperative to rectify the deteriorating conditions of both the underground road and service road,” Jagtap stated in her letter.

The increasing population in the area, driven by numerous housing projects in Wakad, Tathawade, and Punawale, has exacerbated the issue. Many residents, employed at the Hinjewadi IT Park, rely on these service roads, further straining the already deteriorated infrastructure.

Residents have been actively lodging complaints with NHAI and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) about the poor road conditions. Despite some efforts, the roads remain inadequately maintained. Traffic congestion, especially after 6 pm, is a daily ordeal, with long queues and water accumulation worsening the potholes.

A joint inspection by Pimpri Chinchwad traffic police, NHAI, and civic officers is recommended to address these concerns comprehensively. Despite meetings and letters to the NHAI project director, concrete action is still awaited. The traffic police are struggling to manage the congestion, affecting schools, colleges, IT parks, and businesses. The situation is dire, and immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.