Pune: Severe Damage to Service Road from Hinjawadi to Wakad
Pimpri Chinchwad, 15th July 2024: The service road from Hinjewadi to Wakad is in dire condition, raising serious concerns about administrative oversight. The 1.5 km stretch from Bhujbal Chowk to Bhumkar Chowk is plagued with pits and damage, worsened by stagnant rainwater.
This road, crucial for connecting Pimpri-Chinchwad and the Hinjawadi area to the highway, has become hazardous for commuters. Recently, a viral video showcased the struggles of residents, with some potholes so large that even vehicles at slight speeds risk losing balance.
Citizens have voiced their frustrations, holding the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) accountable. Commuters have reported close calls, especially at night when visibility is reduced, causing accidents and near misses.
PCMC City Engineer Makarand Nikam clarified that the road is under NHAI’s jurisdiction. “The service road in front of Hotel Tip Top International is managed by NHAI. Despite numerous complaints and repeated notifications to NHAI, the issue remains unresolved,” he said.
NHAI Highway Engineer Anant Kulkarni acknowledged the problem, attributing it to drainage issues caused by ongoing Pune Metro work. “We have spoken with Pune Metro, and repair work has begun. It will be completed within a few days,” he assured.
Citizens have urged administrative officers and public representatives to travel this road by two-wheeler between 4-8 PM to grasp the ground reality. The recurring patchwork solutions by the civic planning department, usually implemented only after significant incidents, demonstrate a lack of proactive measures, keeping the situation dire in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
