Pune Metro Flyover Plan Extended For Smoother Traffic
Pune: Plans for the extension of the Pune Metro corridor between Vanaz and Chandani Chowk are being revised to include a longer elevated flyover for road traffic, following consultations between government agencies, civic officials and local residents. The proposed design modification aims to improve traffic movement while integrating the city’s expanding metro infrastructure, highlighting the growing emphasis on balancing public transport investment with road network efficiency.
The revised proposal emerged after discussions involving representatives of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), local citizen groups and public representatives. Officials have directed the project team to submit an updated design within the next few days, incorporating changes intended to reduce congestion around the Kothrud Depot junction. Under the revised concept, the Vanaz Chandani Chowk Metro corridor will feature a longer double-decker flyover than originally planned. The structure is expected to begin closer to the municipal waste depot, extending its length by approximately 200 to 250 metres. Urban transport planners believe this adjustment could ease traffic bottlenecks at one of western Pune’s busiest intersections while supporting uninterrupted metro operations above. The design revision follows concerns raised by residents and mobility advocates regarding traffic circulation around the depot junction. During consultations, stakeholders proposed extending the flyover to provide smoother merging and dispersal of vehicles, particularly during peak commuting hours. According to officials, the additional construction cost is expected to be borne by the civic administration, subject to final project approvals.
The Vanaz Chandani Chowk Metro project forms part of Pune Metro’s second expansion phase, extending the existing Ramwadi–Vanaz corridor further west towards Chandani Chowk. The fully elevated alignment is planned with two stations, including Kothrud Bus Depot and Chandani Chowk, improving public transport access to rapidly growing residential and commercial neighbourhoods. The overall metro extension is estimated to require an investment of approximately ₹3,626 crore. Transport experts note that integrating road infrastructure with mass transit systems has become increasingly important as Pune experiences sustained urban expansion and rising vehicle ownership. Well-designed interchange zones and efficient traffic management can improve commuter safety while encouraging greater use of public transport.
Urban planners also emphasise that infrastructure projects of this scale should prioritise pedestrian access, cycling connectivity and universal accessibility alongside vehicular movement. Extending flyovers alone may ease congestion in the short term, but long-term mobility gains depend on seamless integration between metro stations, buses, footpaths and last-mile transport options. The revised flyover proposal now awaits detailed engineering approval before progressing to implementation. Once finalised, the updated design is expected to strengthen connectivity along one of Pune’s key western transport corridors while supporting the city’s broader objective of creating a more sustainable, efficient and multimodal urban mobility network.
