Pune News : Navigating the roads of Pune has become increasingly perilous for residents, with the city’s thoroughfares marred by a myriad of challenges ranging from potholes to defective speed bumps. The lack of adequate street lighting further compounds the risks, particularly during nocturnal commutes, as motorists and riders struggle to discern these hazards in the dark.
Identifying Faulty Speed Bumps:
In response to mounting safety concerns, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) initiated a comprehensive survey to assess the condition of speed bumps across the city. The survey revealed a staggering 567 faulty speed bumps, prompting immediate action to address this pressing issue.
Removal of Non-Compliant Speed Breakers:
Of the identified faulty speed bumps, 108 were found to deviate from the guidelines set forth by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and were promptly removed by the PMC. However, the civic body has come under scrutiny for its failure to hold contractors and ward officers accountable for the substandard construction of these speed bumps.
Calls for Accountability:
Activists have voiced concerns over the lack of accountability in the handling of the faulty speed bumps. While acknowledging the positive step of removing the non-compliant structures, critics argue that the PMC should impose penalties on contractors responsible for the shoddy workmanship. Moreover, there is a glaring absence of comprehensive data on the total number of speed bumps in the city and their adherence to IRC standards, further exacerbating the issue.
PMC’s Response:
In defense of its actions, the PMC’s road department head emphasized that the cost of removing the faulty speed bumps is minimal. However, the PMC has no immediate plans to blacklist or admonish those accountable for the construction lapses.
Survey and Removal Process:
The removal initiative was kickstarted with a meticulous walking survey conducted by junior engineers between October 2023 and January 2024. Covering a wide array of faulty roads and speed bumps exceeding 12 meters in length, these engineers meticulously documented their findings, providing crucial insights to guide the PMC’s remedial actions.
Continued Advocacy for Road Safety:
Despite the removal of a significant number of faulty speed bumps, activists remain steadfast in their advocacy for enhanced road safety measures. They underscore the importance of prudent resource allocation and stringent oversight to prevent the recurrence of such lapses and ensure the well-being of Pune’s motorists and riders.
