Highway Potholes Raise Safety Concerns Before Palkhi
- Bjp Worker Sachin Kalbhor Demands Immediate Repairs, Warns of Protest
Pimpri : Serious concerns have been raised over the deteriorating condition of the Mumbai–Pune Highway between the Nigdi Bhakti Shakti Flyover and the Akurdi Signal, where ongoing metro construction has allegedly left the road riddled with potholes, posing a significant risk to commuters.
According to Sachin Kalbhor, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker from Pimpri-Chinchwad, the situation has become increasingly dangerous as continuous monsoon rains have filled the potholes with water, making them nearly invisible to motorists. He claimed that commuters are being forced to travel “with their lives in their hands” due to the poor road conditions, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
Kalbhor alleged that despite the worsening situation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi has remained silent, while officials associated with the Nigdi–Pimpri Metro Rail project have allegedly failed to take timely corrective action.
The issue has gained urgency as the annual Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession is expected to enter Pimpri-Chinchwad within the next two days. Thousands of Warkaris and devotees are expected to travel through the city, with many using the affected highway stretch. Kalbhor warned that the damaged road could pose a serious safety threat not only to motorists but also to the large number of pilgrims participating in the procession.
Kalbhor has urged the municipal administration and metro project authorities to immediately undertake emergency repairs, improve road safety measures, and prevent potential accidents during the ongoing monsoon season and the upcoming Palkhi procession.
The administration has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
“All potholes on the Mumbai–Pune Highway stretch between Nigdi Bhakti Shakti Flyover and Akurdi Signal must be repaired within the next 24 hours. If the authorities fail to act, BJP workers and local residents will stage a protest at Nigdi Signal.”
— Sachin Kalbhor, BJP Worker, Pimpri-Chinchwad
