Pune's Gangadham Slope Gradient Reduction Work Begins Amid Traffic Chaos
The notorious steep stretch near Gangadham Chowk and Aai Mata Mandir, located just ahead of Pune's bustling Market Yard, is finally undergoing critical modifications. After years of fear, near misses, and fatal crashes, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated work to reduce the gradient of this hazardous road. This long-awaited project aims to enhance safety for all commuters navigating this treacherous section.
Residents Voice Relief and Frustration Over Traffic Disruptions
According to local residents, the stretch has been infamous for making even seasoned drivers feel as if they were navigating a challenging ghat section. It has proven especially unforgiving for heavy vehicles, such as concrete mixers and water tankers, while two-wheeler riders have been forced to ride with their brakes and nerves constantly on edge. On Thursday, PMC introduced traffic diversions to facilitate the work, completely shutting traffic from the Gangadham-Shatrunjay road towards Aai Mata Mandir.
While officials claimed the move was essential for public safety, the sudden closure sparked outrage among local commuters and traders. They argued that it was causing more disruption than relief, with the Bibvewadi-Kondhwa Road becoming choked with traffic within hours, unleashing widespread chaos. Harish Shah, a resident, stated, "It is good that the administration has finally woken up to the problem, but the work needs to finish quickly. There should have been a proper traffic movement plan."
Area Described as Traffic Hotspot from Dawn to Midnight
Residents highlighted that the area around Gangadham Chowk, Market Yard, and Aai Mata Mandir functions as a traffic hotspot from dawn to midnight. Any prolonged closure could paralyze an already congested neighborhood. Supriya Naik, another resident, emphasized, "Diversions can't be imposed endlessly in such a busy area. Local commuters should be taken into confidence before such decisions are implemented. Right now, people are left confused and frustrated."
For traders in the vicinity, the danger of the slope has been obvious for years. Vijay Solanki, who runs a business nearby, described the road as a disaster waiting to happen. "The gradient is so steep that it feels like driving down a hill. Heavy vehicle drivers often lose control here. We have repeatedly demanded urgent repairs in view of accidents," he said.
PMC Officials Detail Technical Precision in Project Execution
PMC officials maintained that the work is being executed with technical precision to ensure long-term safety. An official explained, "The slope will be reduced at two critical points, and the project will be carried out in phases, given the complexity of the terrain. This is not just a simple resurfacing job. Several internal roads and lanes connect to the main stretch. The slope has to be adjusted carefully so that the gradient remains safe and consistent at all junction points."
Residents Demand Stricter Enforcement and Monitoring
Beyond engineering fixes, residents have demanded stricter enforcement, pushing for traffic police to crack down on heavy vehicles entering the area during daytime. This rule was strictly enforced after fatal accidents last year but has since faded into lax monitoring. A daily commuter noted, "After the deaths reported in June last year, action was taken, and things improved. Now, heavy vehicles are back during peak hours. Reducing the slope is important, but without strict monitoring, the danger won't disappear."
The residents seek continuous monitoring and strict action to complement the infrastructure improvements, ensuring that the area becomes safer for all road users in the long run.
