Pune’s Sinhagad Road Flyover Nears Completion
Pune’s rapidly expanding infrastructure is set to take a significant step forward with the expected completion of the Sinhagad Road flyover by March 2025. This ambitious project, which spans 2 kilometres from the Shri Vitthal Temple near Rajaram Bridge to Fun Time Theatre in Dhayari, promises to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that has plagued this key stretch for years. As one of the most crucial access routes to the Khadakwasla Dam area, which has witnessed significant urbanisation, Sinhagad Road had become a bottleneck, causing long delays for commuters.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), under its ongoing urban development initiatives, has ensured that the flyover project is on track. According to Yuvraj Deshmukh, head of PMC’s Project Management Department, the project is now in its final stages. Construction activities, such as the installation of the last girder at Hingne Chowk and the completion of ramps on both sides, are currently underway. Additionally, work on the installation of railings, asphalting, and street lighting will be completed by mid-March, paving the way for the flyover’s opening.
Before the construction of the flyover, daily commuters faced severe delays, particularly during peak hours, with waiting times of up to 45 minutes, sometimes even stretching to an hour. The situation was exacerbated by the presence of five major intersections, including Vitthalwadi, Hingne, Santosh Hall, Manik Baug, and Ganga Bhagodaya Society, all of which contributed to a steady flow of traffic jams. The construction of the flyover is expected to drastically reduce these travel times, benefiting the daily commute for thousands of residents who rely on this stretch for access to key parts of the city.
The flyover construction was initiated by the PMC in two phases. The first phase, a 500-metre bridge from Rajaram Bridge leading to Swargate, was completed before the Lok Sabha elections. The second phase, a more complex double-deck flyover from Vitthal Mandir Kaman to Fun Time, is now 89% complete. Once fully operational, the flyover will cut travel time by 20-25 minutes for approximately 250 vehicles daily, providing commuters with much-needed relief during their busy workdays. This project is not only expected to reduce congestion but also enhance the flow of traffic, particularly for those travelling from Pune to other important destinations like Khadakwasla.
From a sustainability standpoint, the completion of this flyover represents a significant improvement in urban mobility. By reducing traffic congestion and travel time, the project is likely to contribute to a decrease in vehicular emissions, benefiting the environment in the long term. Moreover, the flyover will make travel smoother, which could encourage more people to use private transportation efficiently, thus reducing overcrowding on public transport. However, the flyover’s environmental impact must also be continuously monitored, as the increased flow of vehicles could contribute to the growing carbon footprint of Pune’s urban landscape.
In conclusion, while the Sinhagad Road flyover promises to be a game-changer for the city’s traffic woes, it also highlights the critical need for sustainable urban planning. As Pune continues to grow, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with urbanisation will be crucial for maintaining a balance between development and environmental responsibility. The PMC’s efforts to expedite the flyover’s completion should be seen as a step in the right direction, but it is only one part of the broader challenge of creating a sustainable and efficient transportation system for Pune’s expanding population.
