Pune: Pedestrians and motorists across the city are facing increasing safety risks as the civic administration has failed to reinstall speed breakers removed months ago for an international cycling event.The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had levelled speed breakers along approximately 35 km of road stretches to facilitate the race earlier this year. However, many of these speed breakers are yet to be reconstructed, leading to uncontrolled vehicle speeds and dangerous crossing conditions.Residents near Senapati Bapat (SB) Road, particularly around JW Marriott Chowk, are among those most affected. They report that a crucial pedestrian crossing and speed breaker were removed before the event but never replaced.“Since this is a major artery, vehicles move at high speeds throughout the day,” said one resident. “Without speed breakers, there is nothing to check the flow. It has become incredibly challenging, especially for senior citizens, to cross the road safely.”Similar grievances were echoed in Aundh. Resident Ajay Savant noted that while some bumps have been reinstalled, many stretches remain wide open. “The speed of vehicles has obviously increased. The city should not compromise the safety of walkers for the sake of an event,” he said.According to PMC road department officials, the reinstallation process is underway but is currently being handled on a “demand-priority” basis — meaning they are targetting areas where residents have formally complained.In a statement that has raised eyebrows among activists, one official noted that because a similar cycling event is slated for Jan 2027, the speed breakers would eventually have to be removed again.Civic activist Vikram Gaikwad criticised the delay, stating that the administration must not leave pedestrians in “unsafe circumstances” regardless of future events. “The administration can always reinstall and remove speed breakers as needed. Top priority must be given to safe travel, pedestrian security, and a pothole-free commute,” Gaikwad said.Rajesh Bankar, head of the PMC road department, assured that action would be taken. “Our teams will inspect the locations on SB Road and other areas where residents have raised demands. We will take corrective measures immediately. Additionally, the department has already begun road repairs ahead of the monsoon,” Bankar said.BOx:## Re-installation of Speed breakers, pedestrian crossing:# Residents say not all speed breakers have been reinstalled# Absence posing challenges for elderly people to cross the road# Re-installation should be taken up on all key roads with heavy traffic# Civic Teams should take up inspections
