Night-time excavation on Pune’s Katraj-Kondhwa Road was stopped after residents complained that poclains and breakers were creating loud noise during restricted hours, prompting a police response and questions over who authorised the work.
Residents living along the busy road contacted the police helpline 112 after heavy machinery was allegedly used for excavation late at night. Police reached the site and stopped the work, according to a report by Punekar News.
The incident comes as agencies attempt to accelerate the long-delayed Katraj-Kondhwa road widening project. The project has remained pending for nearly nine to 10 years, while the road has recorded at least 21 deaths in accidents, leading to repeated demands for its completion.
The use of heavy machinery after nightfall has raised concerns over compliance with noise pollution restrictions applicable to construction, excavation and other high-noise activities. Courts have also issued directions relating to restrictions on noise pollution, but it was not immediately clear whether any specific permission had been issued for the work on this road.
Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, deputy commissioner of Pune’s traffic branch, said poclain and breaker operations could not be carried out at night because of the noise they generate. “No permission has been given so far to carry out night work on this road. I will check the matter and provide details,” he said, according to the report.
Pune Municipal Corporation executive engineer Dhananjay Gaikwad said excavation was generally undertaken during the day, while material such as murum was shifted at night. He acknowledged that poclains may have been operating at some locations and said he would check the matter.
The conflicting accounts leave the immediate operational question unresolved: whether excavation machinery was used as part of an authorised construction schedule or whether work continued without approval during restricted hours. The police intervention has, for now, halted the night-time activity reported by residents.
The dispute highlights the practical challenge facing a project that is under pressure to progress after years of delay. Residents have questioned whether speeding up construction can justify disturbing neighbourhoods during restricted night hours, particularly when the work involves breakers and other equipment capable of generating significant noise.
Further details are expected after the traffic branch and the municipal corporation check the location, machinery use and permissions associated with the reported night work.
