From fear to fatality: Ganeshkhind Road exposes Pune’s pedestrian crisis

For hundreds of domestic workers in Bhosalenagar, navigating Ganeshkhind Road is an everyday nightmare. Many spend money on auto-rickshaws just to safely cross the road, as they constantly fear the vehicles that won't even slow down.

Despite being a major arterial road, Ganeshkhind Road has very few well-marked zebra crossings or pedestrian signals, leaving walkers to negotiate traffic without any right of way.

Infrastructure upgrades on Ganeshkhind Road have largely focused on improving traffic flow and vehicle speed, with little attention paid to pedestrian needs such as crossings, refuges or safe walking space.

Residents say traffic speeds increased after the Aundh–Shivajinagar flyover reduced congestion on the surface road. Wider stretches now encourage speeding, making pedestrian movement more hazardous.

The stretch lacks basic traffic-calming features such as rumble strips, raised crossings, optical speed bars or visible speed-limit signage that could slow vehicles near pedestrian crossing zones.

Local residents and citizen groups have demanded a comprehensive road safety audit of Ganeshkhind Road, along with raised crossings, median refuges, better signage and improved lighting.

Pedestrians report minimal on-ground traffic management at key crossing points. Wrong-side driving, especially by two-wheelers, remains common, adding to confusion and danger for those on foot.