The Baba Bhide Bridge in Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana has reopened to regular traffic as Maha Metro eases prolonged restrictions ahead of the Diwali shopping period, while temporary closures will continue when work on the adjoining foot overbridge requires them.
The reopening restores movement between JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana and the Peth areas, which had been affected by diversions during construction near the Deccan Gymkhana Metro station. Maha Metro said full-day closures were no longer required at the current stage of the project.
Instead of keeping the bridge shut for extended periods, the agency will allow motorists and pedestrians to use it on most days. Traffic restrictions will be imposed only when specific construction activities make them necessary. Barricades will remain around the work zone for a few more days as construction continues.
A Maha Metro official said the main structure of the foot overbridge has been completed. The next major stage involves installing its girder, a process that will be carried out in multiple phases and may require temporary restrictions on the bridge and nearby roads.
The remaining components of the foot overbridge could take until December to complete. Maha Metro has not indicated that the work will require continuous closure of the bridge during this period, but commuters have been advised to remain alert to temporary restrictions linked to individual construction activities.
The reopening has restored a major route for people travelling towards JM Road, Lakdi Pul and the Peth neighbourhoods. It has also reduced the need for some commuters to use longer alternative routes during the construction period.
Traffic conditions, however, have not returned to normal across the entire area. Residents and motorists reported congestion on parts of Deccan Gymkhana and nearby roads over the past three days, even as access to the bridge was being restored.
Once completed, the foot overbridge is expected to provide a direct pedestrian connection from Deccan Gymkhana Metro station towards Sadashiv Peth and Narayan Peth. The facility is intended to make access to the station more convenient and reduce the need for pedestrians to cross busy roads around the area.
For now, commuters can use the Baba Bhide Bridge on most days, with temporary closures to be announced or implemented whenever girder installation and other remaining construction tasks require traffic management.
