Pune: Road dividers are for the safety of citizens, but the situation in Mitha Nagar in Kondhwa is just the opposite. The number of accidents involving vehicles ramming into the dividers has increased as drivers have no idea when the road dividers start and end.
A survey conducted by Sakal on Mitha Nagar Road found that dividers were broken at several places, they were not visible to drivers during night hours due to lack of colour and reflectors installed, unevenness of height and lack of stripes required before starting the divider.
It has also come to light that there is no coordination between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Traffic Police regarding the dividers. Resident Abir Siddiqui said, "Despite the serious accidents that happen at Mitha Nagar road, the civic administration is not taking any preventive measures. Residents have demanded that the PMC should increase the height of the divider and install reflectors on it. However, the administration does not take the necessary measures."
Dividers are not built as per the Indian Road Congress norms. Besides, inadequate maintenance and poor condition due to accidents have made the dividers on roads of Kondhwa dangerous for motorists. Series of accidents are happening in this area every day as vehicles are ramming into dividers.
Santosh Jagtap, a local citizen said, "During monsoon season, due to mud on the dividers they are not visible during the night. As a result, the number of accidents has increased. The divider should be installed with reflectors to avoid serious accidents in future."
Sanjay Badhe, another local citizen said, "In many places dividers have been built incorrectly by breaking the criteria of dividers. As a result, the number of accidents in the area has increased."
Condition of dividers in Kondhwa
• Uneven height at several locations
• Dividers are not visible due to their low height and lack of colour, reflectors
• Colour painting used for the divider is inferior
• No stripes, no reflectors