Pune Sinhagad Road Set for Major Traffic Relief with New Flyovers
Urban Mobility Gets a Boost as PMC Nears Project Completion
Pune’s ever-expanding urban sprawl has long burdened Sinhagad Road with relentless congestion, testing the patience of its 6-7 lakh daily commuters. However, relief is on the horizon as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) accelerates work on two crucial flyover projects designed to streamline traffic between Rajaram Bridge and the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. The first, a 2,120-metre flyover stretching from Vitthalwadi to Funtime, is set to open by March-end, while a second 1,540-metre flyover from Goyalganga Chowk to Prakash Inamdar Chowk will be operational by May-end. These projects are being executed under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ 100-day, seven-point programme, reflecting the government’s push for infrastructure-led urban transformation.
Sinhagad Road has been a bottleneck for decades, primarily due to rapid urbanisation extending up to Khadakwasla Dam and the increasing population along the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. The corridor’s single main road has struggled to accommodate the surge in vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours when major intersections witness gridlocks lasting up to 30 minutes. Despite plans for a 32-metre-wide carriageway, existing road widths in several sections remain restricted to just 24 metres, exacerbating congestion. In response, the PMC conceived a flyover solution, and with the Rajaram Bridge Chowk flyover already operational, these upcoming structures will complete the corridor’s transformation, allowing seamless connectivity between Dhayri and Swargate.
Faster Commutes and Reduced Traffic Gridlocks
The project is in its final phase, with asphalt work currently underway on both flyovers. PMC has also initiated approach road construction to ensure a smooth transition for motorists. According to Sandeep Patil, executive engineer of the PMC Project Department, the new flyovers will eliminate traffic bottlenecks at five critical intersections—Prakash Inamdar Chowk, Hingne Chowk, Santosh Hall Chowk, Manik Bagh Chowk, and Ganga Bhagyodaya Chowk.
Currently, commuters spend up to five minutes at each intersection, causing travel speeds to drop to 9-12 km/h. Once operational, the flyovers will boost average speeds and cut travel time from 30 minutes to just five minutes for a 2.5 km stretch. Notably, an internal PMC study estimates that 75% of commuters will opt for the elevated routes, significantly decongesting surface roads for local traffic and non-motorised transport users. The impact of this shift will be far-reaching, making Pune’s road network more efficient while improving air quality by reducing vehicular idling time.
Sustainability and Long-Term Urban Planning
Beyond easing congestion, these infrastructure upgrades play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable urban transport. Pune’s rapid expansion has been accompanied by an alarming rise in vehicular density, contributing to worsening air pollution and increased carbon emissions. By diverting traffic to flyovers, the city aims to reduce emissions from vehicles stuck in long traffic jams. A comparison with similar projects in Mumbai and Bengaluru reveals that elevated corridors significantly cut fuel consumption and emissions, making them a critical intervention in managing urban pollution.
Additionally, PMC’s focus on widening approach roads and improving intersections aligns with global best practices in urban mobility. While flyovers offer an immediate solution, long-term sustainability will depend on integrating public transport options such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and expanding pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Experts emphasise that for Pune to maintain its liveability index, a holistic mobility approach must accompany flyover-led solutions, preventing congestion from shifting elsewhere.
Civic Responsibility and Community Impact
For residents of Sinhagad Road, the flyovers signify more than just improved traffic flow—they represent a crucial step towards reclaiming lost commuting hours and enhancing overall quality of life. Daily travel on the stretch has long been a source of frustration, with professionals, students, and emergency service vehicles frequently caught in prolonged snarls. The upcoming infrastructure overhaul aims to rectify this, ensuring predictable travel times and fostering better road discipline.
However, as Pune embraces these developments, community participation remains key. Sustainable urban planning requires an engaged citizenry that respects new traffic norms and adapts to revised road usage patterns. With the PMC prioritising infrastructure as a means to improve urban mobility, the success of these projects will serve as a blueprint for future city-wide traffic management initiatives. If implemented effectively, Sinhagad Road’s transformation could set a precedent for other high-density corridors across Pune, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system.
