FCC

NHAI proposes 2 exit ramps on 8 km stretch from new Katraj tunnel

2023-05-08

In order to enable vehicles whose brakes fail to move off the road, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed two exit ramps along the 8 kilometres stretch of the Pune-Bengaluru highway from the New Katraj tunnel to Wadgaon Bridge. The idea is one of the potential long-term preventative measures for accidents along the stretch. The two ramps will increase the width at these locations by 10 km, NHAI officials informed Pune collector Rajesh Deshmukh, from the normal width of the road, which is 30 km on each side.

After consulting with their consultants about the construction of these ramps and producing a thorough project report, the officials said they will send the suggestions to the collector.

The NHAI began corrective action after an accident on the stretch between the Katraj viaduct and Navale bridge in Pune on April 23 resulting in five fatalities and 22 injuries.

There should be at least two spots that will facilitate vehicles to exit the main road in case there is a case of brake failure. We may need to widen these areas for which we may need to acquire land at these spots to create the ramps. These would be specialised exit ramps that will help stop the vehicle in case of brake failure, said an NHAI official.

The road from the Katraj tunnel to the Navale Bridge is entirely downhill, and drivers frequently drive in neutral to conserve fuel, it was also mentioned in the meeting. This raises the speed of the vehicle and puts pressure on the brakes, increasing the risk of brake failure and accidents. Additional service roads and a gradient reduction are two additional suggested long-term measures. Deshmukh had asked a committee established by DCP traffic Vijay Magar for a thorough report.

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