Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved a ₹1.5 crore project to re-asphalt the road from Rajput Vasti to Baba Bhide Bridge, a crucial route connecting the Peth areas with western Pune.
This decision comes in response to numerous complaints from commuters about the deteriorated condition of the road, which has been patched repeatedly, resulting in uneven surfaces and posing a significant hazard to two-wheeler riders.
According to Aniruddha Pawaskar, Head of the Road Department, the re-asphalting project has received the necessary approval from the Estimates Committee and will commence shortly.
The road is a vital link for two-wheeler traffic from areas like Kothrud, Karve Road, Warje Malwadi, and Sinhagad Road, with around 100,000 riders using it daily.
It serves as a key alternative route that helps reduce congestion on major roads such as Dandekar Bridge, Shastri Road, and Karve Road.
However, the road has been closed during the monsoon for up to two weeks due to flooding of the Mutha River, causing increased traffic on adjacent routes like Jangli Maharaj Road and within the Peth areas. To ensure smoother traffic flow through Pune’s central regions, keeping the riverside road operational is essential.
A recent inspection highlighted severe neglect of the road's condition, with over 90 patchwork repairs observed. Improper compaction after tar application has led to uneven bumps, and rain has washed away some gravel, causing new potholes to emerge.
Despite efforts to limit access to two-wheelers, four-wheeler traffic has resumed. Bollards were initially installed at Rajput Vasti to prevent larger vehicles, but gaps through adjacent private land have allowed cars, tempos, and tippers to use the road.
Although concrete barriers were placed earlier to restrict access, they were removed last month to assist with flood-related evacuations, leading to the resumption of heavy vehicle traffic.
