Special Correspondent
Pune : In a major step toward resolving Pune’s mounting traffic woes, particularly along the congested Sinhagad Road, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday inaugurated the second phase of a 2.2-kilometer-long flyover stretching from Vitthalwadi Kaman to Fun Time Theatre.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration ceremony, Pawar assured that the Maharashtra government is committed to the holistic development of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the larger metropolitan region. He emphasized that infrastructure projects like this flyover are not just about easing traffic—they’re about shaping the city’s future.
The newly opened flyover, part of a three-phase project, is expected to significantly decongest key stretches of Sinhagad Road. With over 1.5 lakh vehicles using this route daily, the flyover will help bypass five major traffic junctions—Inamdar Chowk, Hinjewadi Chowk, Santosh Hall, Datta Hotel Chowk, and Goyegaon—cutting travel time by up to 30 minutes and reducing air pollution.
“The areas of Vadgaon, Dhayari, Narhe, Nanded, and Khadakwasla are rapidly expanding, and this flyover will reduce the pressure of traffic from those zones. It’s not just a flyover; it’s a milestone in the city’s development journey,” Pawar said.
Further elaborating on the government’s future plans, Pawar mentioned the proposal for a new tunnel from Yerwada and a provision of ₹2,000 crore over the next five years to promote electric vehicles. He also spoke about the state’s commitment to solving water issues for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad by securing supply from Mulshi and Thokarwadi dams respectively.
In addition, work is progressing on a new international airport terminal. Despite some resistance over land acquisition, Pawar asserted that development cannot happen without making tough decisions.
Pune’s metro expansion was also a focus of the event. Pawar noted that over 32 km of metro rail is already operational, and new routes—such as Khadakwasla to Kharadi—have been approved. Detailed project reports are ready for routes from Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, with final approval from the central government expected soon.
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, who was also present, stated that this flyover was a long-pending demand of Sinhagad Road residents and that its completion marks an important milestone. He added that the bridge is the longest flyover in Pune and a necessity considering the city’s rapid population growth.
Mohol highlighted that the city’s public transport is also getting a major push, with over 1,500 new PMPML buses—both electric and CNG—set to join the fleet soon. He also referenced earlier projects like the Suncity–Karvenagar river bridge and the Nal Stop double-decker flyover, initiated in 2018-19, as part of a comprehensive effort to tackle traffic congestion.
PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale said the bridge’s construction began in September 2021 and continued efficiently despite the challenges of the COVID period. “This flyover will directly benefit residents of Khadakwasla, Narhe, Vadgaon, and Dhayari, saving them precious commuting time every day,” he said.
The overall three-phase flyover project has been planned at a cost of ₹118.37 crore. While the first 520-meter unidirectional flyover from Rajaram Bridge to Swargate was opened in August 2024, today’s inauguration marked the opening of the second phase. The third and final phase—from Indian Hume Pipe Gate (Goyal Ganga Chowk) to Inamdar Chowk—is expected to be completed by June 15, 2025.
In his concluding remarks, Pawar reiterated that urbanization brings challenges, but proactive planning and execution can ensure that Pune continues to be one of the safest and most preferred cities to live in. “We are fully committed to providing the best facilities to the people of Pune,” he said.
