Pune: Over 25 Accidents Triggered By Spilled Concrete On Dattanagar-Jambhulwadi Road In Recent Days

The Dattanagar Chowk to Jambhulwadi Road in Pune’s Ambegaon has become a perilous commute due to hardened concrete spillage from ready-mix concrete (RMC) vehicles, triggering over 25 accidents in recent days, the locals have alleged. Residents blame reckless driving and unsecured mixer machines for the hazardous conditions of the road. Two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, with injuries reported due to the treacherous surface.

The Dattanagar Chowk to Jambhulwadi Road, damaged by heavy crushers and RMC vehicles, is riddled with uneven patches from dried concrete. Enraged locals claim that the RMC vehicle drivers fail to lock mixer drums, spilling slurry that hardens into dangerous bumps.

Residents speak up

“The road has become a nightmare for us. Every day, we see someone skidding or losing balance. The authorities must take immediate action. Over time, these concrete deposits harden, creating an irregular and bumpy surface. This has resulted in a drastic decline in road quality, making travel highly unsafe,” Ambegaon resident Saddam Shaikh told The Free Press Journal (FPJ).

Sneha Jadhav, another resident, criticised the lack of accountability behind the hazard.

“These vehicles come and go without any accountability. Spilled concrete hardens and stays there for weeks. Who is responsible for our safety? The hazardous condition of the road has led to more than 25 accidents within the last few days. Many two-wheeler riders have fallen due to the uneven patches and hardened concrete, suffering injuries,” Jadhav said.

Rohan Deshmukh, a commuter, highlighted, “Despite multiple complaints to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken to rectify the situation. The road required urgent repairs and strict regulations for RMC vehicles to prevent further damage.”  

PMC says we have given notice to cops

Speaking to the FPJ, Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Road Department’s Head Anirudhha Pawaskar said, “We have given notice to the police regarding the issue a few days ago. However, we will look into the matter and we will do whatever is possible.”

Santosh Patole, a Supervisor in the Road Department, informed the FPJ that the road was repaired a year ago but has been damaged by the RMC vehicles. 

“One year ago we renovated the whole road, however, due to the RMC plant and the movement of heavy vehicles the (condition of) whole road deteriorated. 

Commuters like Deshmukh expressed frustration and demanded urgent repairs and stricter RMC regulations. 

“If this continues, the road will become completely unusable,” Deshmukh told the FPJ.