India, Feb. 3 -- Pune - Frequent accidents on the deadly Navale Bridge stretch, from Dari Pool bridge to Navale Bridge chowk on the Pune-Satara highway, have once again brought road safety concerns into sharp focus. One of the major contributing factors behind several mishaps on this corridor has been loose stones and mud sliding onto the carriageway from the adjoining hilly embankments, creating sudden hazards for motorists. The problem becomes more severe during the monsoon, when soil erosion and falling debris reduce road grip and leave drivers with little time to react.

Taking note of repeated complaints from commuters, transport unions, and traffic authorities, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiated concretisation...