The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been addressing safety concerns related to the steep Palace Orchard Slope since the unfortunate accident on May 21. Although temporary safety measures were implemented, extensive work to reduce the slope’s steepness is yet to commence.
The steep incline of the road has been a major concern, as it often results in vehicles gaining speed quickly, necessitating abrupt braking, which can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Brajesh Kumar, Vice-President of the Undri Residents Association (URA), expressed the residents’ concerns, stating, “After the accident, residents of Undri-Mohammedwadi organized a protest to demand corrective measures for the slope. While PMC has installed speed bumps, the risk still exists if a vehicle’s brakes fail, as demonstrated by the accident. It is crucial for PMC to address the slope’s angle and widen the road, dealing with encroachments to alleviate traffic congestion. Long-term road planning should also account for the anticipated population growth over the next 20-25 years.”
Col. Deepak Kumar (Retd), who participated in the protest, added, “We believe that this area has been neglected for a significant period in terms of cleanliness and road infrastructure. Concerned citizens organized the protest, marching from Kad Nagar Chowk to Palace Orchard Slope, asserting our rights as taxpayers of the city. The protest garnered PMC’s attention, prompting a quicker response. We recently learned that Vikas Dhakane, Additional Municipal Commissioner of PMC, visited the site and ordered the removal of encroachments and road widening. We are pleased with these developments and feel that things are finally turning in our favor.”
In response to the concerns raised, Gautam Gavande, PMC’s engineer overseeing the project, explained, “We have a comprehensive plan in place and will initiate road work once the rainy season subsides. We will also implement traffic diversion measures to ensure minimal disruptions. Our objective is to complete the project by the end of this year.”
However, Tabrez Ansari, the owner of Hashmi Bakery on Palace Orchard Slope, expressed his reservations, saying, “We have received a notice from PMC regarding road widening. Despite paying taxes for years, we haven’t been informed about any tax refunds or provided an alternative location. Initially, we were informed of a 20-foot road widening, which would already affect a significant portion of our property. Now, we have received a notice for an 80-foot road widening, which would mean losing our shop and other neighboring establishments.”
The residents and shop owners in the area are anxiously awaiting further updates and hoping for an equitable resolution to the road widening project.
