A major urban infrastructure upgrade in Pune is nearing its final phase as the double-decker flyover at University Chowk, constructed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), edges closer to completion.
Designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road and surrounding arterial routes, the project is expected to open to the public by the end of June, with officials confirming that all 32 support pillars have been erected and girder installations are progressing swiftly. This flyover is a critical part of a broader plan to streamline vehicular movement between Hinjewadi, Shivajinagar, Aundh, Baner, and Pashan—key urban hubs in western Pune. Once operational, the flyover is expected to significantly improve commuting experience in one of the most densely trafficked regions of the city, which is home to major educational institutions, business districts, and growing residential zones.
The steel girders being installed—each measuring 55 metres in length and between 18 to 20 metres in width—form the main support for the two-tier flyover structure. According to senior officials from the PMRDA, barring the Pashan-end ramps, the rest of the structure will be accessible to commuters by June 30, subject to final safety checks and last-mile connectivity adjustments. Initially scheduled for completion in May, the project experienced a brief delay due to challenges related to land acquisition and realignment of service lanes. Officials clarified that the integration of utility services, such as underground cabling and water pipelines near the Baner ramp, also contributed to the shift in timeline.
Despite these challenges, the project has progressed at a commendable pace, underscoring the city’s ambition to invest in long-term sustainable infrastructure. Officials from the urban authority confirmed that the ramps connecting to Aundh and Shivajinagar are in their final stages and likely to open for public use by May 20. These links are expected to provide immediate relief to daily commuters who currently face heavy congestion during peak hours. In a conversation with officials involved in project execution, it was revealed that the Aundh ramp will be fully completed by mid-June, with operational readiness expected shortly thereafter. However, the ramps at the Pashan end are still under active construction and are estimated to require a few additional months before they can be opened safely.
Beyond reducing traffic snarls, the project also ties into a larger vision of equitable and sustainable urban growth. The city’s traffic density has surged over the past decade with the expansion of suburban commercial hubs and the influx of private vehicles. However, flyovers like this one are not merely about adding concrete but about building smarter mobility solutions. Experts in urban planning argue that while flyovers are a temporary fix for congestion, their integration must go hand-in-hand with promoting eco-friendly transport alternatives such as high-capacity buses, metro rail systems, and non-motorised transport infrastructure. In that respect, the Pune flyover’s design accommodates pedestrian crossings and interconnects with proposed bus rapid transit routes in the area—potentially creating a multi-modal transport node in the future.
Environmental impact assessments for the project were reportedly conducted before its approval, and additional measures have been taken to mitigate pollution and carbon emissions during the construction phase. Sustainable sourcing of construction material, use of prefabricated components to reduce on-site work, and dust suppression systems were part of the green compliance measures implemented by the agency. The PMRDA has emphasised that the flyover is part of a longer-term infrastructure framework being developed in line with smart city goals. With Pune’s population expected to cross 8 million in the coming years, the urgency to expand and modernise the road network without compromising environmental balance is evident. Officials noted that infrastructure upgrades are being aligned with the broader development of the Pune Ring Road and metro expansion, offering future-ready solutions to urban congestion.
City traffic engineers believe that the flyover will play a transformative role, particularly at critical choke points such as E-Square and the University Circle. Once functional, the new structure will separate local and through traffic, reducing signal wait times and lowering vehicular idle time—a contributor to urban air pollution. Public transport advocates have welcomed the move but cautioned that parallel efforts to enhance last-mile connectivity and reduce dependency on private vehicles must continue. “A flyover alone will not solve traffic issues. What Pune needs is a unified transport policy that promotes walkability, cycling infrastructure, and strong enforcement of road discipline,” said an urban mobility expert engaged with multiple civic transport studies in the region.
Meanwhile, residents and commuters have expressed cautious optimism. While construction has created temporary bottlenecks, many acknowledge that the long-term benefits of a streamlined traffic flow could outweigh the current inconveniences. Local traders have also voiced hope that improved access will increase footfall in the commercial districts of Aundh and Baner. The flyover project may also become a model for other mid-sized Indian cities grappling with similar traffic and growth challenges. If successfully executed, it could serve as a benchmark for integrating engineering solutions with citizen-centric urban planning.
The final push to complete the structure over the next six weeks will focus on completing the remaining ramps, testing load-bearing capacities, and aligning road surfaces. Once inaugurated, the project could stand as a testament to Pune’s evolving identity as a modern, green-forward, and commuter-friendly metropolis—provided it is complemented with sustained investment in public transport, pedestrian safety, and clean air initiatives.
Pune Double Decker Flyover Nears Completion
