Navale Bridge Speed Limit: 150 Fined on First Day as Many Oppose 30 Kmph Limit, Latest Accident Caused by Human Error

Pune, November 26, 2025: On the first day of the new 30 kmph rule at the Navale Bridge stretch, Pune traffic police fined owners of 150 vehicles for exceeding the limit, officials said on Tuesday. The order, issued by the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Pune City, on November 22, 2025, covers the corridor between the Khadakwasla bypass junction and the Navale bridge service road and is aimed at reducing frequent accidents on the downhill section.

150 fined as enforcement begins

Traffic teams rolled out the new speed regulation with visible signboards, extra personnel and technology-led monitoring. Enforcement relied on CCTV surveillance and speed-gun devices, and police warned that violations would attract action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

• Number of violators fined on day one: 150.
• Implementation date of the order: November 25, 2025.
• Enforcement tools: speed-guns, CCTV, additional traffic personnel, fresh signboards.

Manoj Patil, additional commissioner of police, said the 30 kmph limit was set after a technical assessment and aimed at preventing high-speed crashes on the steep downhill stretch. The police appealed to transport companies, commercial drivers and commuters to comply for public safety and smoother traffic flow.

Transporters raise strong objections

Transport associations and heavy vehicle operators have pushed back, arguing the rule could create new safety and mechanical problems for long downhill runs. Baba Shinde, president of the state transport association and former RTA member, warned that forcing heavy vehicles to remain in low gear for long distances could increase engine load and cause brake liners to overheat and wear rapidly.

Key concerns from transporters:

• Continuous low-gear driving over approximately nine kilometres could strain engines.
• Constant braking may cause overheating and rapid wear of brake components, increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
• The order was issued without a joint technical review, they say, and they’ve called for a multi-agency assessment involving CIRT, ARAI, NHAI, road-engineering specialists and transport representatives.

DCP (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav defended the restriction, saying the stretch has repeatedly seen serious accidents, often involving heavy vehicles losing control on the gradient, and that the limit is a preventive measure to cut down on brake failure, loss of control and chain collisions. Officials also stressed that smart traffic-management tools and expanded CCTV monitoring will support enforcement.

Accident findings, vehicle checks and follow-up measures

The decision to clamp down on speed follows a deadly accident on November 13, 2025, when a container truck crash near Navale Bridge killed eight people. The RTO’s preliminary technical assessment indicated excessive speed and a likely shift to neutral gear while descending factors that contributed to the driver losing control.

Following the crash, authorities have stepped up inspections on the Satara–Pune stretch:

• Two inspection teams (10 officers) now operate on the route, up from one.
• Mobile inspections plus checkpoints near toll plazas.
• Breathalyser tests for drivers of heavy vehicles, checks for overloading and vehicle roadworthiness.
• Awareness drives at toll plazas to educate drivers about safe downhill procedures, including a strict advisory against keeping vehicles in neutral.

Archana Gaikwad, regional transport officer, said the new inspection regime and awareness campaigns are meant to reduce repeat tragedies and strengthen compliance.

What drivers should know

• Obey the 30 kmph Navale Bridge speed limit between Bhumkar Bridge and Navale Bridge..
• Expect increased CCTV monitoring and speed-gun checks.
• Heavy vehicle operators should ensure proper braking systems and avoid neutral gear on descents.
• Transport associations have requested a technical review; authorities say safety is the immediate priority.

The Navale Bridge speed rule aims to balance immediate public-safety needs with concerns raised by the transport sector. Authorities have asked stakeholders to cooperate while technical reviews and monitoring continue.

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