The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), has announced the rectification of 16 out of 22 identified ‘black spots’—locations prone to frequent and severe accidents—across various national highways in the Pune division.
These black spots were flagged based on field inspections and accident data and are situated along key stretches, including the Pune–Satara NH-48, NH-965 Palkhi Marg (Package 6), and the Nashik Phata–Khed section. All three routes carry substantial passenger and freight traffic.
According to Sanjay Kadam, NHAI Pune Project Director, “Over 70 per cent of the black spots in our region have undergone safety improvements. This progress was made possible through coordination with the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and the district administration.” The remaining six sites are currently undergoing development, with technical clearances and tendering in progress.
On the Pune–Satara NH-48, high-risk areas such as Navale Bridge, Warje Junction, Vadgaon Bridge, and Katraj Tunnel were found to suffer from poor road geometry and congestion. Rectification included redesigning junctions, adding service roads, channelising lanes, and installing crash barriers, reflective signage, rumble strips, and better lighting.
Along NH-965 (Palkhi Marg), which serves both religious pilgrims and rural communities, remedial actions focused on zones with dense pedestrian movement. Upgrades in Jejuri, Walhe, and Lonand involved the introduction of traffic calming measures, enhanced road markings, and improved illumination.
For the Nashik Phata–Khed corridor, a mix of rural and industrial traffic called for sharp curve adjustments, better turning radii, and provision of pedestrian infrastructure. However, some segments remain under rectification due to pending land acquisition and utility relocation.
Despite these efforts, concerns persist. Atul Namekar, Secretary of the Sinhagad Road–Warje Residents’ Association, commented: “NHAI may have addressed many spots on paper, but the reality differs at certain locations. At places like Katraj Ghat or Alandi Phata, basic issues such as flawed road design and chaotic traffic remain. Painting rumble strips is not a long-term solution—lasting safety requires proper engineering interventions.”?
