Intensified Operation Raises Concerns Amidst Allegations of Bias and Road Safety Issues
As the month of March unfolds, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) is ramping up its efforts to meet punitive action targets, leading to intensified vehicle inspections along the Pune-Nagar highway. However, amidst this crackdown, allegations of selective targeting have emerged, raising questions about the fairness and efficacy of the operation.
The Pune RTO has initiated a large-scale inspection operation along key points of the Pune-Nagar Highway, including Wagholi, Lonikand, Koregaon, Sanaswadi, and Shikrapur. Vehicles passing through these checkpoints are subjected to thorough scrutiny, with a focus on verifying documents, vehicle loads, licenses, and compliance with regulations. Instances of missing or inadequate documentation are met with penal action. However, some vehicle owners have voiced concerns over perceived biases in the enforcement, alleging that only certain vehicles are being singled out for inspection.
Interestingly, despite the heightened vigilance, instances of vehicles carrying excessive cargo exceeding capacity have been observed in the presence of RTO officials. Complaints have arisen regarding apparent leniency towards such violations, further fueling skepticism among commuters regarding the impartiality of the inspection drive.
Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the management of traffic flow on the Pune-Nagar Highway during these operations. Instances of traffic congestion have been reported, with RTO vehicles occasionally maneuvering against the flow of traffic to reach inspection sites. This has led to questions regarding accountability and adherence to traffic regulations by enforcement authorities themselves.
In response to escalating road safety concerns, the Highway State Police (HSP) has announced plans for a comprehensive survey aimed at curbing accidents and fatalities on the 120 km stretch of the Pune-Ahmednagar Highway. The survey will prioritize addressing issues such as illegal punctures, wrong-way driving—particularly in industrial estate areas—and ensuring proper lane markings, among other measures.
Superintendent of Police, Lata Phad, emphasized the urgency of addressing safety challenges on the highway stretch under her jurisdiction, highlighting prevalent violations such as wrong-way driving and reckless behavior near industrial zones. She underscored ongoing efforts to raise awareness and enforce traffic regulations, with a focus on reducing incidents of rule-breaking, especially among two-wheeler commuters.
Phad outlined plans for a detailed survey to identify problem areas and implement targeted interventions to enhance road safety. This initiative reflects a broader strategy by HSP to address traffic fatalities not only on the Pune-Nagar Highway but also on other critical routes, underscoring the commitment to fostering safer road environments across Pune’s urban and rural landscapes.
