Pimpri-Chinchwad, particularly those residing in Wakad, Hinjawadi, Tathawade, and Punawale, are grappling with significant disruptions as the crucial Tathawade Underpass has remained inaccessible to traffic for over a week.
Situated beneath the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass on the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway, this vital junction, typically prone to heavy congestion, has transformed into a virtual reservoir following early monsoon rains in Pune. This alarming situation underscores a profound lapse in civic infrastructure and raises serious questions about the preparedness and accountability of municipal authorities in safeguarding urban mobility and citizen well-being.
Since mid-May, Pune district has experienced unseasonal, monsoon-like downpours, catching both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) seemingly unprepared. While both civic bodies have appeared ineffective, the PCMC’s oversight is particularly glaring. The Tathawade Underpass, a critical artery in the western region of Pimpri-Chinchwad and bordering the PCMC limits, currently lies submerged under four to five feet of water. Residents have reported harrowing incidents of vehicles breaking down, drivers losing control due to hidden potholes, and a dramatic escalation in traffic congestion across alternative routes.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police’s Traffic Branch has found itself in a precarious position, attempting to manage the fallout of what is fundamentally an infrastructural failure beyond their direct control. Despite this, accounts from residents highlight the commendable efforts of traffic officers who have personally waded into the submerged underpass to assist stranded vehicles. Senior Police Inspector Sunil Pinjan, in charge of the Wakad Traffic Division, acknowledged the ongoing struggle, stating, “Since the rains began, this problem has been ongoing. We’ve been contacting PCMC for the past week to come and clear the mess. They have finally arrived and started the work. Hopefully, the issue will be resolved soon.” His comments reinforce the police’s role as first responders in a civic crisis, often stepping in where infrastructure fails.
The inaccessibility of the Tathawade Underpass, a critical link for accessing the national highway and routes towards Hinjawadi and Mulshi Taluka, has led to severe cascading traffic bottlenecks. Adjacent underpasses in Punawale, as well as Bhumkar Chowk and Bhujbal Chowk in Wakad, are now bearing the brunt of diverted traffic, exacerbating daily commutes for thousands. Two-wheeler riders, particularly vulnerable in waterlogged conditions, have been disproportionately affected. Sumit Dhage, a Punawale resident, articulated the profound frustration, describing the underpass as “completely submerged” and blaming a “poorly designed drainage system” that lacks proper connectivity, preventing water from receding naturally. He noted the transformation of earlier peak-hour congestion into constant gridlock, exacerbated by commuters resorting to rule-breaking in their desperation.
The persistent nature of the waterlogging, where even light rainfall brings back the “new river” in Tathawade, has ignited widespread concern among residents across Hinjawadi, Wakad, Tathawade, Punawale, Kiwale, and Ravet. The prevailing sentiment is that even if the water is temporarily cleared, the underlying infrastructural deficiencies mean the problem will inevitably resurface with the next downpour. Efforts to contact PCMC Joint City Engineer Bapu Gaikwad for an update on the situation and future preventative measures proved futile, as he remained unavailable for comment. This lack of responsiveness from responsible civic authorities, even to police queries, raises alarming questions about the efficacy of urban governance and highlights a critical need for transparent accountability mechanisms to ensure timely and effective resolution of public grievances, particularly concerning fundamental urban services like drainage and road infrastructure. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the imperative for resilient urban planning that can withstand unpredictable climate patterns and provide equitable access to city infrastructure for all citizens.
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Pune Tathawade Underpass Inaccessible Due to Flooding
