Pune Bhide Bridge Traffic Diverted Till Dec 15 For Metro Construction
Traffic diversions around Bhide Bridge will remain in effect until 15 December 2025, following an official clearance granted to the Maha Metro Pune for the ongoing construction of the Deccan Metro Station and Cable Bridge. The decision, authorised through a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Pune Traffic Police, is aimed at facilitating crucial infrastructure upgrades while maintaining regulated vehicular movement across one of the city’s busiest transit corridors.
According to senior civic officials, the NOC, valid from 9 October to 15 December, outlines a detailed traffic management plan to minimise disruption during the construction period. While the bridge will stay operational for two hours daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. o allow limited vehicular access, full reopening will only be considered once structural safety inspections are complete.The bridge was temporarily reopened between 11 and 22 October to ease the festive rush during Diwali. However, authorities have reinstated traffic restrictions in line with the ongoing Metro Phase II development under the Deccan project.
Under the diversion plan, vehicles heading from Jaywant Tilak Bridge toward Deccan via Bhide Bridge are being rerouted through Nadipatra Pethkar Washing Centre, Z Bridge, Garud Ganapati Chowk, Lakshmi Road, and Tilak Chowk. Similarly, commuters travelling from Kelkar Road to Deccan must now take the alternate route through the Pune Municipal Corporation junction and the riverbed road.fficials have confirmed that buses on the Deccan PMPML route have been temporarily halted from accessing the bridge. Motorists are instead advised to use the Z Bridge or Khandoji Baba Chowk for smooth connectivity. For two-wheelers, alternate access has been created through Khilare Wadi, S.M. Joshi Bridge, and Poona Hospital Bridge.
To maintain traffic discipline and ensure commuter safety, the Maha Metro has been directed to deploy 50 trained wardens 25 each under the Vishrambaug and Deccan Traffic Divisions. Officials from the Traffic Department have clarified that the NOC could be revoked immediately if traffic congestion results from poor planning or inadequate deployment of resources.In addition, the Metro authority has been made fully responsible for any property damage or accidents occurring during the period of construction.
While the diversions are expected to inconvenience daily commuters, city planners argue that the project is a short-term discomfort for long-term urban improvement. “The Deccan Metro corridor will significantly reduce vehicular congestion and emissions once operational,” a civic engineer said, highlighting the sustainability angle of the development.The Traffic Police have urged citizens to remain patient and cooperate with diversions to ensure public safety and smoother progress of Pune’s expanding metro infrastructure.
