Pune Traffic Police have banned heavy vehicles at Gangadham Chowk to curb accidents, while the PMC invests ₹9.16 crore to reduce the steep slope. These measures aim to enhance commuter safety and ease traffic congestion.
Pune | 23 July, 2025: In a heartfelt effort to make Pune’s roads safer, the Pune City Traffic Police have enforced a 24-hour ban on heavy vehicles at Gangadham Chowk, a notorious accident hotspot. This decision, effective from July 1, 2025, targets trucks, mixers, dumpers, and containers on the Katraj-Kondhwa Road, from Shatrunjay Mandir to Gangadham Chowk and Tilekar Chowk to Gangadham Chowk. The steep slope on this stretch has long been a menace, causing vehicles to lose control and leading to tragic accidents. The move comes after a devastating incident on June 11, 2025, when a speeding truck claimed the life of 28-year-old Deepali Soni, a two-wheeler rider, at Gangadham Chowk. Her loss sparked outrage and prompted immediate action to prevent further heartbreak.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is also stepping up with a ₹9.16 crore project to reduce the steep gradient between Gangadham Chowk and Aai Mata Mandir. By reshaping the slope, the PMC aims to improve vehicle control and reduce the risk of accidents. The project, which began in September 2024, is expected to be completed by early 2026. Temporary measures like rumble strips and encroachment removal have already been implemented, but this long-term fix promises lasting safety improvements. The stretch, connecting Bibwewadi, Kondhwa, and Market Yard, is one of Pune’s busiest, making these changes critical for daily commuters.
Local residents, who have long demanded safer roads, are hopeful. The heavy vehicle ban forces drivers to use alternative routes, such as the Katraj-Kondhwa Bypass, reducing congestion and risks in residential areas. Emergency and essential service vehicles, like fire brigades and public transport, are exempt to ensure critical operations continue smoothly. Violators face strict penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, signaling the authorities’ commitment to enforcement.
The combined efforts of the traffic police and PMC reflect a shared goal: protecting Punekars from preventable tragedies. Families navigating Gangadham Chowk, whether on scooters or on foot, can now look forward to safer journeys. The ban and slope reduction also address the growing concerns of school zones and residential areas nearby, where heavy vehicles often caused chaos during rush hours. Community feedback has played a key role, with residents urging for speed breakers and better signage to complement these changes.
This initiative is a step toward a safer, less congested Pune. By tackling the root causes of accidents—uncontrolled vehicle speeds and a treacherous slope—the city is prioritizing its people. As the slope reduction work progresses and the heavy vehicle ban takes hold, Gangadham Chowk could soon shed its reputation as a danger zone, offering commuters peace of mind and a smoother ride.
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