Pune Pimpri-Chinchwad  is poised to witness a crucial infrastructure upgrade as the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved the demolition of the ageing railway overbridge near Chinchwad railway station and the construction of a modern replacement. The decision follows structural audit reports, citizen feedback, and formal clearances from the Railways, marking a significant step towards safer and more sustainable connectivity for the region.
Built in 1976, the left-side railway overbridge along the Mumbai–Pune Highway via Mahavir Chowk towards Chinchwad village had long been a lifeline for commuters. However, expert evaluations revealed that the structure had reached the end of its serviceable life. To ensure public safety, PCMC had earlier restricted the bridge to light vehicles and two-wheelers while redirecting heavy traffic through alternative routes. While necessary, these diversions created major inconvenience, sparking repeated calls from citizens for a new, reliable bridge. Multiple structural reviews have supported this move. A consultant’s audit in 2021, followed by an independent assessment by a local engineering institute in 2022, strongly recommended dismantling the bridge. The reports highlighted its inability to handle heavy loads, reinforcing citizen concerns about safety and disrupted connectivity. In response to these findings, the Railways granted formal approval in late 2024 to replace the structure, paving the way for the project’s execution.
Senior PCMC officials emphasised that the project is both a safety imperative and a civic necessity. According to engineers involved, the new overbridge will restore direct connectivity for thousands of daily commuters, many of whom have faced long detours due to the current restrictions. Local representatives had repeatedly flagged traffic congestion and longer travel times as pressing concerns, making this development a long-awaited relief. The civic body has also appointed a project management consultant to ensure that the construction is carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption. Officials have underlined that close coordination with the Railways will be critical for smooth execution, particularly given the scale of daily commuter movement along this corridor.
For a city like Pimpri Chinchwad, which has rapidly urbanised over the last two decades, transport infrastructure remains central to its growth story. The replacement of the Chinchwad overbridge not only addresses structural safety but also reflects a broader vision of creating resilient, commuter-friendly and sustainable urban infrastructure. As work commences, citizens can expect improved safety standards, reduced congestion, and faster travel across a critical junction. The decision represents more than an engineering upgrade—it is a civic investment in the mobility, safety, and quality of life of Chinchwad’s growing population.
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