Pune To Get Wider Subways And Bhugaon Bypass For Traffic
Pune is set to witness a significant push in its road infrastructure as officials have directed the widening of subways on the Pune–Satara highway and approved fast-tracking of the long-delayed Bhugaon bypass. The move comes in response to mounting public concerns over worsening congestion and extended travel times across the city’s arterial stretches.
The directives, issued during a review of road projects on Sunday, underline the urgency of tackling frequent bottlenecks caused by rising vehicle numbers. Officials stressed that critical stretches such as Hinjewadi to central Pune are witnessing peak-hour gridlocks, highlighting the pressing need for immediate interventions including underpasses and improved traffic management systems.
The Bhugaon bypass, a project that has faced repeated delays, is now expected to move forward at pace. Designed as an 860-metre, four-lane connector at an estimated cost of ₹15.3 crore, the bypass is being seen as a lifeline for commuters travelling through the congested Chandni Chowk–Bhugaon stretch. With land acquisition already 95 per cent complete, officials confirmed that construction could be completed within nine months, provided all approvals are expedited.Urban planners believe that once operational, the bypass will play a crucial role in diverting traffic from the Pune–Kolad highway and strengthen connectivity to the proposed Pune Ring Road. This would not only decongest existing junctions but also provide seamless access for communities in Bhugaon, Bhukum, and Pirangut.
The directive to widen subways on the Pune–Satara highway comes amid growing public demand for safer pedestrian and vehicle crossings. Current underpasses, designed years ago, are no longer equipped to handle the surge in traffic volume. Officials noted that expanding these subways will ease choke points and reduce collision risks, especially in zones where heavy freight vehicles intersect with daily commuter traffic.Sustainable mobility advocates have also welcomed the development, arguing that enhanced road capacity should be complemented by eco-friendly measures. Experts suggest integrating cycling tracks, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and improved public transport linkages alongside these projects. Such additions would align Pune’s urban growth with climate-conscious and people-centric infrastructure models.
For Pune’s residents, these measures could mark a turning point in daily mobility. With economic activity and real estate expansion intensifying around the city’s peripheries, reliable road networks have become critical to balancing urban expansion with liveability. The coming months will reveal whether the renewed urgency translates into timely delivery of long-delayed projects.If executed on schedule, the Bhugaon bypass and widened subways could provide Pune with much-needed breathing space on its strained roadways, setting the foundation for a more resilient and commuter-friendly transport system.
