As Pune grapples with escalating traffic congestion attributed to ongoing flyover constructions, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed the development of eight new flyovers and grade separators across strategic locations in the city. The proposed projects include Vishrantwadi, Khardai, Ganesh Khind Road, Yerawada, Hadapsar, Alandi Road, Shastrinagar, among others, reflecting a commitment to address the pressing issue of traffic woes.
Addressing the City’s Traffic Challenges
While presenting the annual budget for 2024-25, municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar emphasized the civic body’s dedication to enhancing road infrastructure with the aim of improving the overall traffic situation. The proposed flyovers and grade separators align with the Pune City Development Plan (DP 2041), which envisions the construction of 34 such structures, including flyovers, railway-overbridges (ROBs), and grade operators.
Currently, Pune boasts 50 bridges and flyovers, with 18 flyovers and 32 bridges spanning the Mula-Mutha River. Notably, four flyovers are already under construction in various parts of the city. However, the relentless construction activity has prompted concerns among citizens, as highlighted in a study by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Parisar in 2016.
Challenges and Perspectives
Parisar’s study, titled ‘Understanding the Flyover Phenomenon,’ revealed that public perception of flyovers varies, with citizens not universally viewing them as beneficial. While flyovers are typically constructed in response to traffic congestion, political considerations and public expenditure often influence their implementation. The extensive use of public funds and disruptions caused during construction have led to mixed sentiments among residents.
Ramchandra Gohad, a senior urban town planner, emphasized that addressing traffic issues requires robust infrastructure, which Pune currently lacks. While flyovers have been proposed and constructed over the years as a solution to congestion, their effectiveness remains a topic of debate. Some argue that flyovers merely shift congestion from one area to another rather than providing a comprehensive solution.
Proposed Flyovers/Grade Separators in the 2024-25 Budget:
- Vishrantwadi: Grade separator and flyover
- Shastrinagar Chowk: Grade separator or flyover
- Kharadi Bypass: Grade separator
- Hadapsar (Sasane Nagar): Flyover on railway line
- Range Hills: Railway underpass
- Yerawada (Thackeray Chowk): Flyover
- Alandi Road (Ambedkar Chowk): Flyover
- Ganesh Khind Road: Four flyovers or grade separators
