The city’s civic administration has proposed the construction of a flyover and a grade separator at the ever-bustling Sangamwadi Chowk, officially named Bindumadhav Balasaheb Thackeray Chowk.
With a project estimate of ₹115 crore, this dual infrastructure initiative aims to ease vehicular movement and drastically reduce congestion at a location where multiple arterial roads converge. Sangamwadi Chowk is a key link connecting Shivajinagar, Deccan College, Yerawada, and Pune Airport. During peak hours, the intersection becomes a hotspot of traffic snarls, with vehicles from multiple directions competing for passage. Recognising this persistent problem, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) appointed a consultant last year to assess the traffic volume and recommend remedial infrastructure solutions. Following the report, PMC has proposed a flyover facilitating two-way traffic between Deccan College and Yerawada and a grade separator for vehicles travelling from Shivajinagar via Sangamwadi Road towards Airport Road and Yerawada.
The PMC has already floated tenders to identify a contractor, with work expected to commence after securing mandatory permissions and clearances. Civic officials noted that expediting the approval process will be crucial to ensure that the project does not face delays, especially given the rising urgency to address traffic challenges in this rapidly urbanising corridor. The flyover and grade separator are envisioned to allow a seamless flow of vehicles without requiring frequent halts at the chowk, thereby eliminating the current bottleneck. Officials from the civic administration maintain that the project will be a significant upgrade to Pune’s surface mobility infrastructure, as it seeks to reduce travel time, emissions from idling vehicles, and improve overall road safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Residents and daily commuters from Yerawada, Sangamwadi, and adjoining areas have long demanded such a project. Locals voice concern over the daily delays caused by vehicles jostling for space at the intersection. Many report that during rush hours, the tailbacks often extend to adjacent streets, creating a ripple effect of traffic chaos. For people commuting from Yerawada to Shivajinagar or to the Deccan College area, the intersection has become a point of daily frustration. Officials stated that the existing road geometry and vehicular pressure warranted the dual approach of constructing both a flyover and a grade separator. The intent is not merely to manage the volume but to future-proof the junction against increased traffic expected from the growth of eastern Pune neighbourhoods and new residential-commercial developments in Yerawada and Viman Nagar.
One of the critical factors the administration must address before initiating civil works is the presence of Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) lanes in the area. While the BRTS on Sangamwadi Road was dismantled a few years ago following low ridership and operational inefficiencies, a BRTS lane still exists on the Deccan College stretch. Civic sources acknowledged that a comprehensive decision regarding the future of these lanes would be taken in tandem with the construction plan, ensuring that the new infrastructure does not lead to unintended consequences or redundancy. Urban mobility experts believe the project, if executed with careful planning and public consultation, can be a game-changer for the area. They argue that projects like these must be complemented with last-mile connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, and effective traffic enforcement for long-term impact. Additionally, the environmental implications—both during construction and after completion—must be managed to align with Pune’s sustainability goals.
The ₹115 crore investment is also seen as part of PMC’s larger effort to upgrade key junctions across the city through smarter traffic engineering and eco-sensitive construction. With congestion having a direct bearing on air quality and commuter well-being, reducing vehicle idling and cutting stop-start travel cycles are necessary steps toward a lower-carbon urban transport ecosystem. However, the challenge remains in timely execution. Former elected representatives and civic observers have pointed out the delay in initiating this project, despite the issue being raised repeatedly in various civic forums. There is mounting public pressure on PMC to act swiftly and transparently, ensuring that the project timeline is adhered to without compromising on design quality or safety protocols.
For Pune’s citizens, the promise of decongesting Sangamwadi Chowk holds the potential to improve their daily commute, cut travel-related stress, and enhance economic productivity. The flyover and grade separator, if completed as planned, could set a precedent for infrastructure planning in congested urban cores—where the focus is not just on more roads, but better, safer, and more inclusive mobility solutions. In the context of India’s broader urban mobility goals, Pune’s initiative highlights the importance of integrating civil engineering solutions with people-centric planning. As the city prepares to take a step forward in improving its traffic network, the emphasis must remain on timely execution, design integrity, and community impact.
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Pune Flyover Grade Separator Planned At Sangamwadi
