Pune’s long-awaited solution to traffic woes on Sinhagad Road was realised on Thursday, with the inauguration of a flyover designed to ease severe congestion that commuters have long battled.
Launched on Maharashtra Day, the newly opened stretch between Rajaram Bridge and Fun Time Theatre marks an important milestone in a project that aims to transform the city’s traffic infrastructure. The 2.2-km-long flyover, divided into two phases, is set to significantly reduce the time spent stuck in traffic, especially for those navigating the busy Sinhagad Road. The newly inaugurated section, spanning 520 metres, represents the first part of the flyover that stretches from Vithalwadi to Fun Time Theatre. It offers significant relief by bypassing five major traffic signals along the route, which have long been a source of bottlenecks for thousands of daily commuters.
The flyover, costing ₹118.37 crore, has been constructed as part of the city’s broader infrastructure development plans. While the first phase of the project was completed in August last year, the second phase, comprising a 2.12-km stretch, is still under construction. It is expected to be fully operational by June. The overall design also accounts for the future installation of metro pillars, which will integrate seamlessly with Pune’s expanding metro network, with an additional ₹27 crore allocated for this purpose. The flyover’s completion is expected to provide substantial benefits not only by improving traffic flow but also by enhancing road safety, especially for pedestrians. Sinhagad Road, a major artery connecting the city to various areas like Swargate, has been notorious for accidents, with the heavy traffic often posing dangers to people trying to cross.
However, this long-awaited development was not without its hurdles. The project faced delays in its timeline as the need to accommodate future metro construction necessitated alterations to the original plans. Despite these setbacks, the completion of the first stretch is seen as a significant achievement for Pune’s urban development. The project was led by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which, alongside the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has been working to improve the city’s transportation infrastructure. Once fully operational, the flyover will offer smoother connections between critical areas of the city, such as Sinhagad Road and Swargate. The reduction in travel time and elimination of congestion on this crucial route is expected to have a ripple effect, improving the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to easing daily traffic flow, the flyover is also an example of how Pune is making strides towards enhancing its infrastructure while keeping in mind the demands of future urbanisation. The project reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to developing sustainable, accessible, and efficient transportation networks. The full completion of this flyover is set to mark a new chapter in Pune’s urban planning and transportation development. The next phase, once finished, will surely provide commuters with an even smoother, faster route, creating lasting benefits for the city’s future.
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New Flyover on Sinhagad Road to Boost Pune Traffic Flow
