The alarming situation on the Dehu to Yelawadi road stretch in Maval taluka, Pune, has once again drawn attention to the chronic issue of road safety and infrastructure neglect in Maharashtra. In just three hours, ten accidents occurred at the same spot, primarily involving two-wheeler riders slipping on a muddy patch—a consequence of poorly executed road repairs.
What Happened:
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The affected stretch is heavily potholed and severely damaged, posing daily danger to commuters.
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After numerous complaints, local authorities filled potholes with soil as a quick-fix solution.
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However, recent rainfall turned the soil into slippery mud, which spread across the road surface, resulting in multiple accidents, all caught on CCTV cameras.
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Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, but several riders were injured, some seriously.
Public Outcry and Criticism:
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Locals have strongly condemned the lack of proper maintenance, calling the soil-fill method not just inadequate but actively dangerous.
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They are demanding immediate, permanent repairs, not cosmetic or temporary measures.
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The situation is being labelled as a case of gross negligence by the public works authorities.
Broader Pattern of Poor Infrastructure:
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This isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this month, a newly inaugurated bridge in Dombivli, near Mumbai, came under fire after videos showed damaged road segments just one day after opening.
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Viewers online noted that the road surface peeled off in layers, resembling cheap, flimsy construction materials—a stark indication of substandard engineering and possible corruption.
Core Issues:
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Temporary fixes like soil or gravel without proper compaction, surfacing, or drainage worsen road conditions during monsoons.
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There appears to be a recurring failure in accountability, with no sustained audits, quality checks, or public communication on repair timelines or budgets.
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Public safety, especially for vulnerable road users like two-wheeler riders, is repeatedly compromised.
What Needs to Be Done:
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Immediate resurfacing of the Dehu-Yelawadi stretch with proper bitumen or concrete.
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Drainage correction to prevent water accumulation and mud patches.
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Civic and PWD accountability: identification and penalisation of contractors responsible for poor work.
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Third-party audit of ongoing and completed infrastructure projects.
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Installation of warning signage and barriers at accident-prone spots until permanent repairs are made.
The repeated emergence of such incidents—whether in Pune, Dombivli, or elsewhere—underscores a systemic issue in road construction, maintenance, and governance in Maharashtra. Until authorities prioritize quality over quick fixes, such "accidents waiting to happen" will tragically remain a familiar story.
