Pune: The recent Grand Tour cycling event held in the city won plaudits for its relatively smooth execution but also earned the authorities some brickbats for the cosmetic overhaul of civic infrastructure focused only on the requirements of the race.
In a similar vein, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has now decided to reinstate around 200 speed breakers and rumble strips on various roads that had been removed for last week's international cycling event. Civic officials clarified that obstruction-free roads for riders were a key requirement for the race.
The re-fixing work is expected to begin next week. While reconstructing speed breakers, the civic body also plans to simultaneously set up raised pedestrian crossings at various locations to aid those on foot.
PMC's road department had been removing these speed breakers on around 75km of roads in a phased manner over the last one-and-a-half months. Some key stretches that were rendered free of speed breakers included JM Road, FC Road, Tilak Road, Bajirao Road, and University Road.
After they were removed, however, opposition parties' functionaries has been urging PMC to re-install the speed barriers with immediate effect, at least on roads near schools and colleges. NCP leader Nilesh Nikam said he had submitted a letter to the civic chief demanding urgent intervention in the issue. Nikam said, "The cycling event is over, but PMC has lagged behind in re-fixing these speed barriers."
Similarly, a Congress leader from Janwadi chose anonymity and pointed out, "Many roads are already unsafe, and with the absence of speed breakers, the situation became more critical. There is no clarity on whether all speed breakers will be re-fixed by PMC. The administration must take urgent steps to control the speed of vehicles."
Meanwhile, a senior PMC road department official said it had been pre-decided that speed breakers would be re-fixed after the cycling event. "We are drafting a plan. PMC will also discuss with the traffic police to identify suitable locations for speed breakers," he said.
PMC officials also claimed that all roads that were resurfaced for the cycling event would face minimum digging activities, and permissions for the latter would only be issued in case of emergency works. Going ahead, contractors are expected to maintain the improved quality of the roads, officials said.
Regular commuters said all they want is for PMC to follow guidelines while reconstructing speed bumps.
Kothrud resident Ashish Joshi said, "All speed breakers, at least on main roads, should follow norms. Riders should not face bumpy commutes. Also, speed breakers should come up at adequate distances. PMC should fix responsibility for maintenance of roads for a longer period."
Bajirao Road resident Pritam Jadhav said, "It is good that PMC repaired roads ahead of the cycling event but now, it has the huge responsibility to maintain these stretches. There should be proper monitoring to keep a check on illegal digging and damages."
Sarang Dastane is a senior correspondent at The Times of India, P...
Read MoreSarang Dastane is a senior correspondent at The Times of India, Pune. He covers government offices, the railways, the Regional Transport Office, the district collectorate and state transport. His hobbies include trekking and outdoor activities, and he’s a social worker too.
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