Pune: The Pune Traffic Police along with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) road department, have initiated a comprehensive survey to identify and improve accident-prone zones across the city. This proactive move aims to bolster road safety by addressing infrastructural issues at 19 identified black spots. Efforts will focus on upgrading junctions, repairing potholes, implementing structural modifications, and deploying personnel to manage traffic at critical locations.
While these black spots were previously flagged during traffic assessments, the emergence of new accident-prone areas has prompted authorities to reassess and expand the existing list. The objective is to ensure safer commuting for all residents by reducing accident risks through timely interventions.
In 2024, Pune witnessed 1,404 road accidents resulting in 1,320 injuries and 320 fatalities. Comparatively, the city recorded 351 road accident deaths in 2023. Authorities believe that the planned infrastructural improvements and heightened monitoring will contribute significantly to lowering these figures.
The traffic police are providing detailed recommendations to the PMC and other relevant departments concerning the necessary upgrades. These measures are anticipated to enhance road conditions and minimize the likelihood of accidents. The ongoing survey will help identify and reassess high-risk zones, ensuring that the black spot list is updated to reflect current challenges.
Collaboration extends beyond the PMC, involving the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The PMC road department emphasized its active coordination with traffic authorities. Executive engineers are maintaining regular communication with traffic inspectors to address road safety concerns across various city wards. Based on recommendations from the traffic police, repairs, structural enhancements, and modifications at key junctions are being prioritized to ensure a safer commuting environment.
This joint initiative reflects Pune’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing the rate of accidents, ensuring that both existing and emerging risks are effectively managed.