Pune Baner Shivajinagar flyover to open in November easing traffic
Pune is set to experience major traffic relief as authorities gear up to open the Baner–Shivajinagar stretch of the University Chowk flyover by November. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which is executing the project, has confirmed that the final stages of work are underway, with efforts focused on completing remaining tasks swiftly. The opening is expected to streamline vehicular flow and ease chronic congestion on the city’s busiest corridor.
Currently, thousands of commuters use the Ganeshkhind Road and adjoining routes daily, facing long queues and slow-moving traffic, particularly during peak hours. Once the new stretch becomes operational, it will serve as a crucial connector for motorists travelling between Shivajinagar, Baner, and Pashan three high-traffic zones that have witnessed rapid urban expansion. Officials have indicated that all flyover wings will likely be opened to the public by the end of this year, bringing comprehensive relief to residents and office-goers across the area.
The project’s first section, linking Shivajinagar to Aundh, was inaugurated earlier in August, marking a significant milestone in the multi-phase construction plan. The remaining wings are now in their final phase, with PMRDA coordinating closely with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to synchronise ongoing road development efforts. The civic body is simultaneously carrying out road widening along Ganeshkhind Road to accommodate higher vehicle capacity and ensure smoother traffic dispersal.
Officials from the PMC stated that they plan to begin widening the remaining stretch between Sancheti Hospital and RBI Chowk from November. Negotiations with private landowners are ongoing to acquire the final parcels of land needed to complete the expansion. The combined initiatives are aimed at reducing congestion hotspots, improving accessibility, and building more efficient infrastructure in line with Pune’s growing urban mobility needs.
Infrastructure experts believe the project holds wider implications for sustainable urban transport in Pune. By reducing idle traffic time and congestion, the flyover is expected to help lower vehicular emissions, aligning with the city’s long-term carbon reduction goals. The development also underscores the importance of integrated mobility planning, ensuring that new roads, public transport routes, and pedestrian networks function cohesively.However, timely completion remains a concern, as previous infrastructure projects in the city have faced delays due to land acquisition hurdles and shifting administrative priorities. Officials insist that both PMRDA and PMC are committed to delivering the project within the stipulated deadline to avoid prolonged disruption for commuters.
For Pune’s residents, the opening of the Baner–Shivajinagar stretch marks more than just an infrastructural upgrade it represents a step towards a smoother, safer, and more sustainable city commute. As work nears its final stage, the flyover is poised to transform one of the city’s most congested junctions into a gateway of efficient connectivity.
