Pune, 19th August 2023: A significant move to enhance the safety of Pune’s residents has been initiated with the approval of a new pedestrian footover bridge (FOB) at Chandni Chowk, also known as NDA Chowk, situated on the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway.
The decision to construct the pedestrian bridge comes in response to the growing concern over the safety of commuters from areas such as Pashan, Bavdhan, Kothrud, and Mulshi, who risk their lives by crossing the highway on foot due to the absence of a dedicated footover bridge. Acknowledging the potential risks associated with such hazardous crossings, Pune District Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil took proactive steps to address the issue.
Minister Patil’s efforts bore fruit as he engaged with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to highlight the need for a dedicated pedestrian bridge at Chandni Chowk. As a result, a proposal to construct a pedestrian bridge connecting the Pashan and Mulshi regions has been submitted to the National Highway Authority (NHAI) for approval. This initiative is aimed at improving pedestrian safety, enhancing mobility, and providing a secure alternative to crossing the highway on foot.
The proposed pedestrian bridge will be strategically located at NDA Chowk, a bustling junction with a significant volume of foot traffic. Its construction is expected to not only offer a safer route for pedestrians but also underscore the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the well-being of the city’s residents.
Minister Patil has urged Pune citizens to prioritize their safety and refrain from risking their lives by attempting to cross the highway on foot. With the impending construction of the pedestrian bridge, the area’s pedestrians will soon have a safer and more convenient means of traversing the junction, eliminating the need for perilous road crossings. This step aligns with Pune’s commitment to providing safe infrastructure and prioritizing the safety of its citizens.
