Pune: A proposed flyover linking Sakhar Sankul with the Old Pune–Mumbai Road has moved a step closer to construction after the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) standing committee approved a ₹73.52 crore project aimed at easing chronic congestion in Shivajinagar. The grade separator is expected to improve traffic flow along one of the city’s busiest transport corridors while supporting broader efforts to modernise Pune’s urban mobility network.
The proposal will now be placed before the PMC’s general body for final approval before the project enters the tendering and execution stages. If sanctioned, officials estimate that construction of the Shivajinagar flyover project will take around 18 months, excluding interruptions during the monsoon season. The planned flyover has been designed to address long-standing traffic delays experienced by motorists travelling between Sakhar Sankul and the Old Pune–Mumbai Road. Currently, vehicles rely heavily on the Wakdewadi underpass, a narrow corridor that frequently experiences congestion during peak commuting hours due to limited carrying capacity and increasing traffic volumes. According to civic officials, detailed planning for the project included topographical surveys, geotechnical investigations and traffic assessments to determine the most suitable alignment and structural design. Technical scrutiny of the proposal was completed before administrative clearance was granted for initiating procurement procedures.
The Shivajinagar flyover project encompasses more than the construction of the elevated roadway. The scheme also includes relocation of water supply and drainage utilities, development of slip roads, installation of stormwater drainage infrastructure and associated civil engineering works. Authorities have also factored in quality assurance, statutory charges, insurance and taxation within the approved project estimate. Urban transport experts note that targeted infrastructure interventions at major bottlenecks can improve network efficiency when combined with broader mobility planning. Shivajinagar functions as a critical gateway connecting central Pune with northern suburbs, railway infrastructure and intercity transport corridors. Reducing delays at this junction could improve travel reliability for thousands of daily commuters while easing pressure on surrounding arterial roads. However, planners caution that flyovers alone cannot provide a permanent solution to urban congestion. Sustainable mobility requires integrated investment in mass transit systems, pedestrian facilities, cycling infrastructure and intelligent traffic management. Without complementary public transport improvements, increased road capacity may eventually attract additional private vehicles, limiting long-term congestion relief.
Funding for the project has been structured across multiple municipal budget cycles. An initial allocation has already been approved to facilitate preliminary works, while the remaining expenditure is expected to be released in phases as construction progresses. This phased financing approach is commonly adopted for large civic infrastructure projects with extended implementation timelines. As Pune continues to experience rapid population growth and expanding vehicle ownership, transport infrastructure investments are becoming increasingly important for maintaining urban productivity and quality of life. The Shivajinagar flyover project represents another step in the city’s ongoing effort to improve connectivity, though its long-term success will depend on integration with sustainable transport planning and resilient urban infrastructure capable of supporting future mobility demands.
