Uncovered construction vehicles, cement mixers damage roads

Pune: Citizens have raised concerns over unchecked movement of heavy vehicles carrying uncovered construction material and cement mixers which pose a threat to commuters, while also spoiling the quality of roads.Resident of NIBM Road Mahesh Khandle told TOI that the area was among the worst affected. "Vehicles leave construction sites with soil, stone chips and other types of material at any time in the day. The load is never covered. Such vehicles cross uneven roads and speed breakers. Resulting bumps result in the material falling off and makes commuting around them difficult. Muck falls from these vehicles and sticks to the road, making it slippery and uneven. I wonder why the authorities do nothing," he said.Pankaj Jain, a working professional who lives in Narayan Peth, echoed Khandle. "Many parts of Tilak Road have become undulating. The main issue is with huge cement mixers which travel through the day, even during heavy traffic hours. Cement chunks scatter on the road. Once that hardens roads become rough causing problems in commuting," Jain said.Ministry of roads, transport and highways says it is illegal to carry uncovered construction material and garbage on vehicles. Such load should be properly covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent spillage.Rafeez Pathan, who lives along Salunke Vihar Road, said the whole area was affected because of such heavy vehicles. "Around two months ago, new concrete roads were constructed on NIBM Annexe Road area in Mohammadwadi. The neighbourhood is witnessing unending construction work. Cement from the continuous flow of cement mixers has fallen and hardened, causing bumps on the road. I haven't seen anyone, including the police or the RTO, take any action," the businessman said.Prerna Mhatre, who works in a bank, recalled an incident near Golibar Maidan recently. "I was right behind a cement mixer in my car. Suddenly, a large chunk of cement mix dropped and fell on my vehicle, causing a dent. It could have been worse," she said.Abhinav Kumar, who works at a shop on FC Road, said "Many times, one can spot trailers transporting rocks which are uncovered. It would be dangerous if it fell on a vehicle or person.Pune regional transport officials said they were aware of the issue. "We have acted on the same earlier and will do so again. On Tuesday, we have a meeting to plan several drives and will discuss the problem," Pune regional transport officer Archana Gaikwad told TOI.Commuters said the police and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should get involved. "PMC constructs the roads which are getting damaged. Police and RTO can team up and act against transporters and builders, who don't follow any norms," said Kalpesh Shriram, a working professional and Baner resident.