Pune’s Navale Bridge on the Katraj Dehu Road bypass of the Pune-Bengaluru Highway is believed to be the most perilous stretch of road in Pune that has witnessed multiple accidents so far.
The accident on Thursday, which claimed at least 8 lives and injured over 20 people, has been a reiteration of a similar trend of accidents in the vicinity of the Navale bridge.
Why Accident Prone?
1) Road Design
– It becomes challenging for heavy vehicles to travel the significant slope between the road and the bypass.
2) Heavy Traffic
– The bridge is a busy stretch. Heavy vehicles flouting rules, regular traffic, and constant movement of pedestrians increase the chances of accidents.
3) Driver Behaviour
– Reportedly, to save fuel on the slope’s descent, some drivers of heavy vehicles shut off their engines, causing brake failure and loss of control.
4) Inadequate Infrastructure
– Inadequate rumble strips, reflectors, and speed enforcement contribute to frequent accidents.
These issues lead to frequent accidents, including major pile-ups, which have resulted in injuries and fatalities.