Pune Veer Savarkar Flyover Lane Closed Till November 26 Amid Repairs
Pune’s already strained traffic system is facing fresh disruption, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) announcing that one lane of the Veer Savarkar Flyover at Paud Phata will remain closed until November 26 for structural repairs. The civic body has appealed to citizens for patience and advised heavy vehicles to seek alternative routes to prevent congestion in the Kothrud and Nal Stop corridor.
According to PMC officials, the closure is part of essential maintenance to strengthen the bridge structure. The lane from Nal Stop towards Kothrud has been blocked, while the opposite side remains open for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles. The repairs, scheduled from October 27 to November 26, are aimed at preventing long-term deterioration caused by continuous vehicular pressure and seasonal wear.
However, the announcement has sparked frustration among commuters already grappling with frequent diversions and unpredictable closures across the city. The situation worsened with the abrupt shutdown of the nearby Bhide Bridge soon after Diwali. The bridge, a critical connector for central Pune, had been temporarily reopened during the festive season but was closed again for ongoing Metro construction, leaving motorists and residents angered.City activists and civic experts have criticised the lack of coordination between the Metro authorities, PMC, and the Pune Traffic Police. They argue that repeated closures without adequate planning or public communication reflect poor governance and disregard for citizens’ convenience. According to them, the Bhide Bridge was initially shut in April for 45 days but remains closed over six months later, with no clear completion timeline.
Urban planners say Pune’s recurring infrastructure challenges underscore a broader issue of uncoordinated urban management. They stress the need for synchronised planning between civic agencies, especially when infrastructure projects overlap. Experts have suggested that maintenance schedules be published in advance, with night-time repair works prioritised to minimise commuter inconvenience and carbon emissions from prolonged traffic snarls.Residents of Sadashiv Peth and Kothrud expressed discontent over what they termed “infrastructural fatigue.” With multiple roadworks, flyover maintenance, and Metro-related diversions, average travel times across central Pune have nearly doubled in recent months. Citizens are demanding clearer communication channels, efficient repair schedules, and stricter accountability from civic departments.
The PMC has defended the decision, stating that immediate maintenance is critical to ensure public safety. Officials have promised that the repair work on Veer Savarkar Flyover will be completed within the declared timeline. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on civic and Metro authorities to coordinate more effectively to prevent overlapping closures and restore commuter trust.If managed efficiently, the ongoing repairs could mark a turning point in Pune’s push for safer, sustainable, and well-maintained transport infrastructure one where short-term inconvenience paves the way for long-term reliability.
