Pune MLA seeks safety audit of integrated University Chowk flyover after Mumbai Metro slab collapse

Pune: Days after the deadly Mumbai Metro pillar slab collapse on Feb 14, Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole sought a comprehensive structural and on-site safety audit of the under-construction multi-level University Chowk flyover and Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi Metro corridor here. On Saturday, one person was killed and three were injured after a parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line 4 viaduct collapsed onto an autorickshaw and a car on LBS Road in Mulund (West), Mumbai. The concrete piece, measuring around 6x4 ft, fell on moving vehicles around 12.20pm.
On Monday, MLA Shirole wrote to Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) commissioner Yogesh Mhase, flagging risks from unsecured materials, exposed structural elements, overhead components, and debris accumulation at project sites. "The focus must be on identifying and immediately rectifying any unsafe construction practices, including loosely secured materials, exposed structural elements, improperly stored equipment, or overhead components that pose a risk of falling and causing serious damage to vehicles or loss of life," he told TOI. The MLA asked PMRDA to identify accident-prone stretches, verify structural stability and compliance with engineering standards, inspect temporary arrangements such as scaffolding and barricading, and immediately address unsafe conditions that could lead to falling objects or loss of life. Shirole also demanded that Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and local authorities promptly clear debris, unused construction material, and barricading gaps, and ensure adequate signage and protection around construction zones. "Roads around project sites must remain safe for citizens at all times," he said. Emphasising the need for accountability, Shirole said infrastructure development was essential, but safety could not be compromised. "I will continue to closely monitor this issue until visible corrective action is taken on the ground," he said, adding that he sought an early compliance report from PMRDA. PMRDA officials told TOI that the authority would not rush the launch of the Baner ramp stretch of the flyover, which was set to open last week. "We have to check the durability factor of the ramp, and unless we are satisfied, we will not be opening the Baner stretch yet," said a senior PMRDA official. The opening of this stretch has already been rescheduled several times.