Pune: Heavy Vehicles Banned 24×7 in Gangadham Chowk Area; Height Barriers and Speed Breakers to Be Installed at 5 Locations
Pune: Following the tragic death of Dipali Soni, who was hit by a truck at Gangadham Chowk while riding a two-wheeler, Pune City Police have implemented a series of significant traffic management measures in the area.
As per the new directive, all heavy vehicles including trucks, mixers, dumpers, and containers are banned from entering the roads between Kanha Hotel to Gangadham Chowk and Tilekar Chowk to Gangadham Chowk under the Market Yard Traffic Division 24 hours a day.
Additionally, on the Lullanagar Chowk – Gangadham Chowk – Chandralok Hospital Chowk and Gangadham Chowk – Wakhari Mahamandal Chowk – Seven Loves Chowk routes, heavy vehicles will not be permitted between 6 AM to 11 PM.
Height Barriers and Speed Control Measures:
Due to the steep incline in this area, several accidents have occurred. Therefore, height barriers will be installed at the following locations according to IRC (Indian Road Congress) standards to physically restrict entry of large vehicles:
Kanha Hotel
Pasalkar Chowk
Bhavani Mata Mandir
Aai Mata Mandir
Y-Junction near Gangadham Bus Stop
Additionally, the worn-out rumblers near Aai Mata Mandir will be replaced with high-quality rumblers and speed breakers. The Pune Municipal Corporation’s Chief Engineer has been informed accordingly.
Legal Action and Enforcement:
14 cases have been registered and 3 actions taken against heavy vehicles violating restrictions in the Market Yard area.
13 cases have been filed against roadside vegetable vendors occupying footpaths.
Citywide, 36 FIRs have been filed in the past few days against heavy vehicle violations.
From January 2025 till date, action has been taken against 32,256 heavy vehicles, collecting ₹45.62 lakh in fines.
Additional Measures:
3 notices have been issued to owners of wine shops and permit rooms.
2 licenses have been cancelled, and letters have been sent to the State Excise Department regarding relocation.
Communication has been made with local ward offices to remove large unauthorized hoardings.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been asked to inspect and take necessary action against establishments in the Market Yard area.
The Traffic Department has increased patrolling and public awareness drives in and around Gangadham Chowk.
This action follows a high-level inspection by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint CP Ranjankumar Sharma, Addl CP Manoj Patil, and Traffic DCP Amol Zende after Dipali Soni’s fatal accident last week. They visited the site and interacted with residents, leading to swift policy decisions aimed at preventing further tragedies.
