In a proactive step towards enhancing pedestrian safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled plans to construct a footover bridge (FOB) near the recently inaugurated Chandni Chowk multi-level flyover. While the flyover has been a welcome relief for motorists, concerns were raised about the safety of pedestrians navigating the bustling junction. Responding to public demand and recognizing the need for a secure pedestrian pathway, NHAI has taken the initiative to incorporate the footover bridge into the infrastructure.
Pedestrian Safety at Stake
The Chandni Chowk flyover, spanning a length of 16.98 km with a 2.3 km interchange, has emerged as a crucial link connecting various significant routes such as Bavdhan Road, NDA Road, Pashan Road, Mulshi Road, Paud Road, and the Mumbai–Bangalore bypass. The project, jointly financed by the Central Government and PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation), holds the promise of alleviating traffic congestion at the bustling Chandni Chowk junction.
However, as the flyover’s construction reached its completion, a concerning issue loomed large – the lack of proper and safe walkways for pedestrians. Despite the commendable strides in road infrastructure, the safety of those on foot was inadvertently overlooked during the initial planning stages. The very success of the flyover presented a dilemma, wherein pedestrians found themselves in jeopardy while attempting to cross the road at this now swiftly moving junction.
Public Demand and NHAI’s Response
In the wake of the flyover’s inauguration, both netizens and local citizens voiced their apprehensions over the perilous pedestrian situation at the Chandni Chowk junction. These concerns reverberated across social media platforms and community gatherings, with demands for a secure walkway gaining momentum. Public opinion coalesced around the necessity of a footover bridge or an underpass to ensure the safety of pedestrians traversing the intersection.
Acknowledging the seriousness of these concerns and understanding the pressing need for enhanced pedestrian safety, the NHAI has taken swift action. The decision to construct a footover bridge near the Chandni Chowk flyover signifies a laudable commitment to address public demands and prioritize safety across all modes of transport.
Project Details and Significance
The Chandni Chowk flyover’s strategic positioning plays a pivotal role in Pune’s transportation landscape, connecting vital arteries that facilitate the flow of both intercity and intra-city traffic. The flyover boasts inner and outer service lanes on both sides of the Mumbai–Bangalore highway, further facilitating smooth vehicular movement.
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the Chandni Chowk flyover, marking a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. With an interchange spanning 2.3 km, this project exemplifies the harmonization of modern engineering with urban planning. However, the NHAI’s decision to include a footover bridge underscores their dedication to holistic development that caters to the safety and convenience of all road users.
