Frequent wrong-side driving near the Dharmawat Petrol Pump, also known locally as the CNG pump, in Pune’s Pisoli area has raised road-safety concerns among residents, who say three-wheelers, cars and water tankers regularly use the lane in the wrong direction during busy traffic periods.
Residents said vehicles moving against the permitted direction create dangerous encounters with motorists travelling on the correct side of the road. The risk is reportedly higher during peak hours, when traffic volumes increase and drivers have less time to react to approaching vehicles.
The stretch has also been flagged for a lack of basic traffic-management infrastructure. Residents said there are no clear signboards, traffic signals or speed breakers at the location, making it difficult for road users to identify the correct movement pattern and anticipate vehicles entering from the opposite direction.
“There are no signboards, red lights, speed breakers — nothing,” local resident Irshad Shaikh said, highlighting the absence of visible safety measures near the petrol pump. Residents said the issue is not limited to isolated violations but has become a frequent occurrence, particularly when traffic movement intensifies.
The reported movement of water tankers on the wrong side has added to concerns because of the size and manoeuvring space required by heavy vehicles. Two-wheeler riders may face a greater hazard on the stretch, residents said, as they can have limited time to respond when a vehicle approaches from an unexpected direction.
Tehseen Teerandaz also raised concerns about recurring wrong-side driving and called for improved traffic management in the area. Residents have urged the relevant traffic authorities to inspect the stretch and determine what measures are required to make movement safer.
Their requests include installing clear traffic signs, assessing the need for traffic signals and speed breakers, and increasing enforcement against vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. They have also called for regular monitoring during peak hours, when the reported violations are more common.
The concerns place attention on the relationship between road-user behaviour and street design. While residents have sought action against traffic-rule violations, they have also said that visible warnings, appropriate traffic-calming measures and clearer movement guidance are needed at the location.
No response from the concerned traffic or civic authorities was included in the report. Residents are seeking an inspection and corrective action before the reported conflict between vehicles travelling in opposite directions results in a serious collision.
