The negligence of the Pune Metro administration came under scrutiny on Saturday afternoon after strong winds caused iron sheets installed at an under-construction metro site near Bhakti-Shakti Chowk in Nigdi to collapse onto the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. Although a major tragedy was narrowly avoided, the incident created panic among commuters and residents.
The construction work on the Pimpri-to-Nigdi Metro corridor is currently progressing at a rapid pace. Temporary tin sheds had been constructed at the site to provide shade for workers. However, around 3 pm, sudden gusty winds swept through the area, causing the iron sheets of the temporary structure to break loose and fly onto the busy highway.
At the time of the incident, several motorists were travelling along the road. One of the metal sheets reportedly fell in front of a two-wheeler rider, leaving him shocked for a few moments. Fortunately, the rider managed to control the vehicle in time, preventing what could have turned into a serious accident. Locals said that even a delay of a few seconds could have resulted in a major mishap.
Following the incident, questions were raised over the safety measures adopted by the Pune Metro administration at ongoing construction sites.
In an official statement, metro authorities said that the metro safety officers and their team are investigating the incident and that the matter has been taken seriously at the highest level of the administration.
Pune Metro authorities order safety audit after iron sheets fall on highway
“Strict action will be taken against those found responsible after the inquiry. A comprehensive safety inspection is also being carried out along the under-construction route,” the statement said.
This is not the first such incident linked to Pune Metro construction work. In 2023, a moving car was severely damaged after an iron portion from the under-construction Pune Metro elevated corridor fell onto its bonnet near Yerwada Chowk. No casualties were reported in that incident as well.
Meanwhile, commuters strongly criticised the authorities.
Mihir Joshi, a Nigdi commuter, said, “The Metro authority as well as the municipal corporation have failed to prioritise public safety since the Nigdi Metro extension work began. Similar incidents have occurred earlier at Nashik Phata during Metro construction work. A crane had collapsed once, and in another incident, a Metro structure fell on a car. The authorities do not seem to learn from past incidents.”