Pune, August 12th, 2023: A significant stride towards alleviating traffic congestion was achieved on Saturday as Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the newly completed Chandni Chowk Flyover on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. This strategic addition to Pune’s infrastructure is poised to bring relief to the chronic traffic woes that have long plagued the Chandni Chowk area.
The inauguration marked the culmination of the much-anticipated Chandni Chowk flyover and interchange project, a vital development at the gateway to West Pune. With a length of 16.98 km and a budget of Rs 865 crore, the flyover is expected to have a transformative impact on mitigating traffic congestion within Pune city and the surrounding district.
Nitin Gadkari underscored the significance of the project, stating, “The Chandni Chowk flyover and interchange project, spanning a total length of 16 km, was inaugurated today. This endeavor includes the 2.2 km-long Chandni Chowk Interchange, which will play a pivotal role in resolving the longstanding issue of traffic congestion in Pune.”
This comprehensive project features 2-lane internal and 2-lane external service roads on both sides of the Mumbai-Bangalore highway. Eight ramps have been thoughtfully integrated into the design, facilitating connectivity to eight distinct directions from the same interchange point. These enhancements are poised to enhance accessibility across various areas of the city, fostering a more interconnected urban landscape.
The Chandni Chowk flyover, originally projected for completion in 2021, faced delays attributed to diverse challenges, including land acquisition complexities. Notably, the undertaking includes the construction of four flyovers, one underpass widening, and two new underpasses, collectively contributing to a seamless and congestion-free road network in the Chandni Chowk locality.
As the flyover enters the pages of Pune’s history, Nitin Gadkari demonstrated his commitment to fostering a participatory approach by inviting Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil to propose a suitable name for the newly inaugurated structure. Gadkari expressed, “The naming of this flyover holds significance, and I encourage these two esteemed leaders to recommend a name. We will wholeheartedly approve their suggestion.”
