Pune: The NDA and Chandani Chowk intersections, with their multiple steep ramps and service roads, have become increasingly confusing and dangerous for drivers navigating the highway. The recent Mahacargo ST bus accident on Thursday (June 13) has underscored the urgent need for traffic engineering-based improvements at these junctions.
One critical issue is the road leading from the highway through NDA Chowk to the Kothrud area of Pune. The steep gradient of this road often catches drivers unaware as they enter the city limits, leading to excessive speeds due to the lack of warning signboards. Local residents have called for the installation of speed breakers and clear signage to alert drivers to reduce their speed.
Drivers frequently find themselves inadvertently diverting from the main highway lanes and then attempting to re-enter, causing traffic disruptions and posing significant risks to commuters.
In the recent accident, Kavita Sathe was seriously injured and has been admitted to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital for further treatment. Kavita and her son Kartik were headed towards Bhugaon after crossing Chandani Chowk.
While standing by the roadside, a dumper and an ST bus collided with other vehicles, leading to Kavita sustaining serious head injuries. A frightened Kartik watched as his mother lay injured on the road. Initially taken to Chelaram Hospital, Kavita was later shifted to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital due to the lack of a CT scan facility at the former.
Kavita and her son had come to the city to buy school books, uniforms, and other stationery for Kartik. Her husband, Yogesh Sathe, is a tempo driver, and the family is from a financially disadvantaged background.
The incident has sparked renewed calls from citizens for immediate improvements at NDA Chowk to prevent further accidents and enhance the safety of all road users.
