Commuters in Pune have reason to rejoice as the long-awaited Chandni Chowk flyover is finally set to open its lanes on August 12, according to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The flyover, which stretches from NDA Chowk to Bavdhan, promises to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of daily travelers, providing a welcome respite from the chronic traffic congestion that has plagued the area for years.
For Kavita Pawar, a Warje resident who commutes to her workplace in Bavdhan, the upcoming flyover spells relief. She currently spends a frustrating hour navigating the congested roads, but with the new flyover, her journey is expected to be cut in half. “The opening of the flyover from the NDA Chowk to Bavdhan will be of great help,” Pawar expressed.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is slated to inaugurate the Chandni Chowk project along the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. The ceremony, scheduled for August 12, will witness the presence of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Sinde, along with other dignitaries. This project’s completion holds promise for easing the daily commute of countless individuals.
The Chandni Chowk flyover has faced its share of delays, missing several deadlines. However, the project gained momentum after a traffic jam near Chandni Chowk inconvenienced even the Chief Minister’s convoy in August of the previous year. This incident spurred authorities to accelerate the construction.
Approximately 1.6 lakh vehicles traverse Chandni Chowk each day, underlining the critical need for improved infrastructure. The project, which commenced in October 2019, not only aims to enhance travel efficiency but also address traffic rule violations that have become rampant in the area. “People are getting into the habit of violating traffic norms, leading to chaos. The cases of wrong-side driving on the stretch need to be dealt with strictly,” emphasized Pradip Sawant, a local resident.
