Pune: Following a tragic accident that claimed the life of a woman and left her father-in-law critically injured, the Pune Police have announced a series of urgent safety measures for the Gangadham Chowk–Kondhwa Road stretch. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sparked renewed focus on traffic regulation and infrastructure improvement in the area.
The victim, 29-year-old Deepali Yuvraj Soni, was riding pillion on a motorcycle when a truck collided with the two-wheeler at Gangadham Chowk. Her 61-year-old father-in-law, Jagdish Pannalal Soni, who was driving the vehicle, sustained serious injuries. The entire accident was recorded on surveillance cameras installed at the busy intersection.
To prevent similar tragedies, the police have now banned the entry of all heavy vehicles between Shatrunjay Temple and Gangadham Chowk along the Katraj–Kondhwa Road. In addition, height barriers will be installed, and liquor outlets located near the junction are set to be relocated or shut down, as part of broader efforts to reduce road hazards.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who visited the accident site, emphasized the department’s focus on improving traffic safety in the area. “Ensuring traffic discipline at Gangadham Chowk is a top priority. We are also taking action against unauthorized constructions and illegal warehouses in the vicinity,” he said.
Kumar also mentioned that discussions with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are ongoing, particularly about redesigning the Gangadham junction to improve safety and traffic flow in the long term.
Gangadham Chowk and surrounding areas have experienced rapid urban development over the past 10 to 15 years. However, local residents have raised concerns about narrow, poorly maintained roads, encroachments, absence of proper footpaths and street lighting, and chronic traffic congestion, especially during peak school and office hours. The area has also seen a rise in frequent road accidents, prompting repeated appeals for intervention.
The recent tragedy has intensified the call for sustainable and immediate improvements in urban infrastructure and traffic management. Authorities now face pressure to ensure that promised reforms are implemented swiftly and effectively.
