Speed Limit Reduced to 40 km/h on Pune-Bengaluru Highway Between Katraj Tunnel And Navale Bridge
Pune, 16th May 2023: In a concerted effort to enhance road safety on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway between Katraj New Tunnel and Navale Bridge, a thorough review of the implemented measures was conducted by the Road Safety Committee. Chaired by District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh, the meeting focused on ensuring strict adherence to regulations and taking necessary actions against violators.
The meeting witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including Deputy Commissioner of Police of Pune City Traffic Branch Vijay Kumar Magar, Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Sanjay Kadam, Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde, Superintending Engineer of Public Works Department Bappa Bahir, and representatives from the ‘Save Life Foundation’.
As part of the previous committee’s recommendations, a police post has been established near Jambhulwadi, adjacent to Katraj New Tunnel, with round-the-clock police personnel deployment and the appointment of ten officers. Patrolling by police vehicles has also been intensified, leading to a commendable outcome. Notably, an average of 300 vehicles per day are being held accountable for violating various traffic regulations, as highlighted by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar Magar.
However, it has come to the committee’s attention that certain roadside establishments, including hotels and other businesses, are breaching the divider between the main road and the service road, primarily for their commercial gain. This dangerous act not only poses a risk of accidents due to sudden turns onto the main road but also endangers other road users.
To curb this menace, Dr Deshmukh, the Collector, firmly stated that stringent action, including the cancellation of business licenses, would be taken against those found guilty of breaking the divider.
To address the issue of vehicles exceeding the speed limit and flouting traffic rules, both the rural police and city traffic department have been directed to promptly submit a proposal for interceptor vehicles to the district planning committee. Additionally, it was emphasized that CCTV cameras should be installed in every lane of the highway, and these cameras must be integrated with the police department’s software to facilitate swift action against violators.
To mitigate risks, it was decided that heavy vehicles should adhere to a speed limit of 40 km/h between the Katraj Tunnel and Navale Bridge, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. The earlier notification regarding the reduction of fines was also rescinded.
The Collector stressed the significance of creating public awareness about traffic rules and regulations. In this regard, the public announcement system at Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza will be utilized to disseminate continuous reminders and educate the public.
The meeting also explored strategies to raise awareness regarding helmet usage among government officials. The transport department and the police were urged to collaborate in organizing campaigns such as ‘One Day for the Head’, targeting individuals who neglect to wear helmets. The Collector underscored the importance of preparing master trainers to effectively convey the significance of helmets and enforce penalties when necessary.
During the meeting, discussions were extended to addressing accident-prone areas, also known as black spots, on Ahmednagar Road. Efforts to identify these spots and implement appropriate measures were acknowledged, emphasizing the commitment to overall road safety.
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