Pune: The Varandha Ghat, located on the Bhor-Mahad route, has become a popular destination for tourists seeking the thrill of river rafting tourism from Pune, Mumbai, and other places. However, the scenic beauty of this ghat can turn dangerous if caution is not exercised, as highlighted by past incidents. Careless driving and treacherous bends contribute to accidents, making it crucial for tourists to prioritize safety while enjoying the mesmerizing surroundings.
Most accidents that occur on the Varandha Ghat are a result of reckless driving by tourists. The absence of guardrails along the roads and hazardous bends in the ghat amplify the risks. Although the current rainfall is relatively low, drivers must maintain control over their speed to prevent accidents. While appreciating the beauty of the ghat, vehicles need to navigate the challenging turns with care. Unfortunately, accidents have increased in the past year due to some individuals ignoring warning signs and driving recklessly.
The 47-kilometer stretch from Bhor to Vaghjai Temple in Varandha Ghat falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department of Bhor. Furthermore, Union Road Development Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved a funding of Rs. 723 crore 13 lakh for the 57.45-kilometer road from Shindewadi Ghat (T.Khandala, Dist.Satara) to Varandha Ghat on the Pune-Satara highway.
Various factors contribute to accidents on the ghat, including speeding, the zigzag nature of the turns, driver inattentiveness to direction boards, vehicles losing control and falling into ravines, overturning in gutters, and skidding due to muddy roads. Accident-prone areas include Waghjai Temple, Umbarde, Shirgaon, Hirdoshi, and White.
To improve safety, facilities have been implemented at the ghat, costing around Rs. 6.5 crores. Dangerous turns have been addressed by constructing defense ramparts and installing white stripes and sidebars. Iron walls have been erected at necessary points, and 152 direction boards have been placed from Bhor to Vaghjai Temple in Varandha Ghat. Panels also provide notifications regarding accident-prone areas, dangerous turns, speed limits, landslide-prone zones, and essential service numbers.
The winding road from Nigudghar to Varandha Ghat presents numerous twists and turns. The captivating scenery of the Neera-Deoghar dam’s backwaters and the lush greenery of the ghats often distract drivers, leading to accidents. During the rainy season, waterfalls emerge along the roadside, increasing the risk of falling trees and landslides. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to avoid prolonged stops at one place and exercise caution while driving, particularly during the monsoons.
According to Sanjay Vagaj, Deputy Engineer of the Public Works Department in Bhor, there were 7 accidents, resulting in 10 injuries and 4 instances of road collapse in the years 2022-2023. Additionally, there was one fatality during this period.
