Pune: Ten More Double-Decker Bridges Proposed to Ease Traffic in Key City Areas
After the success of Pune’s double-decker bridges at Nal Stop on Karve Road and Ganeshkhind Road, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has now proposed ten more such structures across the city to address rising vehicular congestion. These bridges will be constructed in collaboration with metro implementing agencies, ensuring integrated development with Pune Metro routes.
In the proposed model, the first floor of the double-decker bridges, meant for vehicular traffic, will be funded by PMC. The top floor, designed for the metro rail, will be financed under the metro project budget.
The already-operational Nal Stop bridge was built in partnership with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha-Metro), while the Ganeshkhind Road bridge is currently under construction in association with Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) as part of the Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar metro corridor.
The proposed new locations for double-decker bridges include:
- Mundhwa Mahatma Phule Chowk
- Kalubai Chowk on Solapur Road
- Dandekar Pul Chowk
- Wagholi Awhalwadi Chowk
- Ambedkar Chowk in Warje
- Kothrud Bus Depot in Bhusari Colony
- Golibar Maidan Chowk
- Viman Nagar Chowk
- Wanowrie Fatimanagar Chowk
- Ravidarshan in Manjari
PMC has also shared funding requirements for three of the sites: ₹60 crore for Mundhwa Mahatma Phule Chowk, ₹35 crore for Kalubai Chowk, and ₹45 crore for Dandekar Pul Chowk.
“These bridges are aligned with elevated metro routes as future road infrastructure projects will be difficult once the metro is in place,” said Yuvraj Deshmukh, Chief Engineer, PMC. He explained that large metro pillars and overhead structures hinder additional construction such as flyovers or underpasses once the metro is operational.
A feasibility study is currently underway to assess the effectiveness of building flyovers in conjunction with metro routes.
Pune Metro Executive Director Hemant Sonawane echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Pune Metro is open to helping PMC construct flyovers wherever necessary. “It makes strategic and financial sense to integrate both structures on a single pillar system,” he added.
This approach, however, hasn’t been without controversy. For instance, the PMC’s flyover on Sinhagad Road faced backlash due to the metro’s proposed route. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier recommended a double-decker solution during the foundation ceremony, but the government proceeded with a single-flyover plan.
As Pune continues to expand its metro and road infrastructure, civic and metro officials agree that integrated planning will be essential to avoid future urban constraints.
