Pune: Aundh-Baner Arm of Double-Decker Flyover Inaugurated at University Chowk
Pune, March 8, 2026: The much-awaited Aundh-Baner ramp of the integrated double-decker flyover at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis virtually today. The state-of-the-art structure, built at a cost of approximately ₹277 crore, is poised to significantly decongest one of Pune’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted online from Varsha Bungalow in Mumbai, with CM Fadnavis presiding over the event. In Pune, the gathering included Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole, and Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, among other dignitaries and civic officials.
While the flyover was officially inaugurated on Sunday, commuters will be able to use it from Monday morning, March 9, 2026. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has confirmed that the new arms connecting Aundh and Baner will be thrown open to the public, with the traffic police deploying a comprehensive plan to guide motorists through the new routes.
An Engineering Marvel for Pune’s West Side
The 1.76-km long flyover is a unique engineering feat, designed to maximize space at the busy junction. It features a triple-layer system: the Metro Line 3 viaduct runs on the top deck, vehicular traffic will ply on the first floor, and at-grade road movement continues below.
“For a rapidly developing city like Pune, robust infrastructure is essential. To free the city from traffic congestion, the government is undertaking multi-dimensional planning,” CM Fadnavis stated during the launch.
The project, executed by the PMRDA in coordination with Maha-Metro, is expected to provide seamless connectivity for areas like Aundh, Baner, Pashan, and Shivajinagar. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol highlighted that the flyover would significantly reduce travel time for thousands of commuters heading towards the western parts of the city.
सावित्रीबाई फुले पुणे विद्यापीठ समोरील डबल डेकर उड्डाणपुल सोहळा..
— PMRDA (@OfficialPMRDA) March 8, 2026
सावित्रीबाई फुले पुणे विद्यापीठ समोरील डबल डेकर उड्डाणपुलाचे लोकार्पण आज राज्याचे लोकप्रिय मुख्यमंत्री मा.श्री. देवेंद्रजी फडणवीस यांच्या शुभहस्ते व्हर्च्युअली करण्यात आले.
या उड्डाणपुलामुळे वाहतूक कोंडी कमी… pic.twitter.com/jtzeFA6pd4
A Tribute to the Late Ajit Pawar
A significant emotional moment during the event was the announcement regarding the flyover’s naming. Citing the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s pivotal role in pushing the project forward, leaders present proposed that the structure be named after him.
It was noted that Ajit Pawar, during his tenure as Guardian Minister and Deputy CM, had taken a “bold decision” in 2020 to demolish the old, inadequate flyovers to pave the way for this integrated structure. He had consistently reviewed the project to ensure quality and speed.
Responding to the proposal, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave a positive nod, confirming that the double-decker flyover will be named in honor of the late Ajit Pawar. Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, present at the event, echoed this sentiment, stating that naming the project after him would be a true tribute to his vision for Pune’s development.
Metro Link and Future Connectivity
The flyover is not just about roads; it is a critical component of the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro line. With the vehicular portion now complete, the final stages of the Metro work on the upper deck are expected to be expedited.
The completion of this project aligns with the state government’s broader vision for Pune, which includes new Metro phases, the Ramwadi-Wagholi Metro, the Yerwada-Katraj tunnel route, and the six-laning of various highways, as highlighted in the recent state budget.
With the new flyover opening to traffic on Monday, Punekars are hopeful that the days of spending up to thirty minutes navigating the University Chowk during peak hours are finally numbered.
