The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has expressed concern over road safety and traffic disruptions in the Ravet-Kiwale area near the Pune-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48), attributing the issues to blocked drains and culverts. In a communication to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), officials said the obstructions have been causing significant waterlogging and disruptions to traffic flow.
Officials reported that heavy waterlogging occurred on Monday along the highway, adjoining service roads, and led to the closure of the underpass in Wakad.
NHAI highlighted that several joint inspections had been carried out in collaboration with PCMC officials and local representatives, including Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap. These inspections revealed that at least ten natural drains along the service roads between Wakad, Tathawade, and Punawale had been obstructed. The blockages were reportedly due to ongoing construction of high-rise towers and shopping complexes on either side of the highway.
The letter from NHAI stated that rainwater and sewage often overflow onto the service roads during heavy rainfall, creating hazardous driving conditions. It noted that slippery roads and water-filled potholes pose a serious risk to commuters and could lead to an increase in accidents if not addressed promptly.
The highway authority also reminded the civic body that the matter was initially raised in July 2024, followed by multiple site visits over the past year. Despite repeated appeals, many necessary repairs to drains, manholes, and culverts remained incomplete.
PCMC city engineer M.D. Nikam stated that while the NHAI is responsible for service road construction, PCMC is tasked with repairing drains, manholes, and culverts. He mentioned that the service roads would be widened from 12 metres to 24 metres by NHAI. He added that the issue had been taken up on priority, but actual repair work could only begin once the rains had subsided.
In the interim, NHAI has instructed its concessionaire to address potholes and overlay damaged sections of the service roads. However, the agency maintained that long-term solutions hinge on proper drainage infrastructure, which is under the purview of the municipal authorities.
The persistent waterlogging has left local commuters increasingly frustrated. Dattatraya Deshmukh, president of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, remarked that the issue recurs every year and accused the PCMC of inaction, stating that it is the residents who ultimately bear the brunt of the civic body's negligence.
