The audit is estimated to cost Rs 18.96 lakh, according to a proposal placed before the board.
The three-member panel conducted inspections on Sept 18 and 19 across the cantonment, including the old camp areas where narrow carriageways pose challenges for motorists and pedestrians. The audit is estimated to cost Rs 18.96 lakh, according to a proposal placed before the board.
Cantonment officials said they expected the report within a few weeks, with a second round of inspections possible if required. “The exercise is expected to identify deficiencies in road surfaces, pedestrian facilities, traffic management and other safety-related infrastructure and suggest measures for improving the network,” Vijay Chavan , officiating superintending engineer of the Pune Cantonment Board, said. Chavan said, “The CRRI team also evaluated pedestrian infrastructure and road crossings, particularly in congested areas, and is expected to recommend improvements in line with national standards. A senior cantonment official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the financially strained board lacked funds even for routine road repairs and maintenance. Budgetary constraints must be addressed before such surveys are recommended,” the official said. What residents need now is immediate repair work,” resident and activist Murtuza Poonawala said.
Pune: A team of road safety experts from CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi, has completed a two-day audit of Pune Cantonment’s 75km road network, assessing road conditions, pedestrian safety and traffic management following directions from the ministry of defence. The audit comes amid growing concern over deteriorating road conditions, with potholes, uneven surfaces and damaged stretches triggering repeated complaints from residents and commuters. Concerns have, however, been raised over the board’s ability to implement the recommendations. “How will the board respond to the expert report is crucial? The board doesn’t have a budget for small road repairs. A section of residents also questioned the need for another assessment when visible road defects remained unattended. “People do not need another report to tell them that the roads are damaged. Anyone travelling through the cantonment can see the potholes and broken stretches.