Amid growing concerns, unauthorized access roads, created by breaking through compounds along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, are raising alarms over heightened accident risks. The expressway, completed in 1998, initially implemented designated access routes at key locations to regulate traffic flow. Iron guard walls were strategically installed along the 94 km stretch by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited to prevent vehicles from entering unauthorized areas.
However, recent incidents reveal a troubling trend of local motorists breaching these protective walls, establishing unauthorized access points that not only undermine toll collection but also pose a serious threat to road safety.
The breach has led to an influx of vehicles using these unauthorized access points, significantly elevating the risk of accidents. Suresh Mane, a local driver, voiced his concerns, emphasizing the dangers of wildlife or vehicles unexpectedly entering through the broken barriers, potentially leading to accidents, especially during nighttime.
Rakesh Sonawane, the executive engineer of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited, assured the public that measures are in place to prevent wildlife from entering the road. He confirmed that the protective walls undergo regular maintenance and repairs along the entire 94-km stretch.
In response to the situation, citizens in Somatne are demanding immediate action, urging the closure of the breached walls to mitigate the risks associated with these unauthorized access points.
