Pune’s Sinhagad Road, a major thoroughfare in the city, continues to suffer from heavy traffic congestion due to the ongoing flyover construction, causing significant disruptions for commuters. The project, which was initiated to ease traffic congestion, has paradoxically resulted in road deterioration and increased traffic on alternative routes. Frustration among motorists is mounting as they question the completion timeline of the flyover and its necessity.
The construction of the 2.74-kilometer-wide flyover, stretching between Rajaram Bridge and Funtime Cinema, has been in progress for the past one and a half years. In preparation for the project, the Municipal Corporation widened the road by removing the cycle path and footpath to accommodate the expected flow of 1 lakh 25 thousand vehicles that traverse the route daily. However, despite these measures, both Sinhagad Road and the alternative canal road are grappling with severe traffic jams.
The presence of heavy vehicles such as cranes, tractors, and mixers navigating the narrowed road due to the ongoing flyover work adds to the congestion. Moreover, the project’s phased approach has led to the closure of certain turns, exacerbating the bottlenecks. Passenger vehicles, school buses, vans, and cars now contend with limited space, leading to long queues stretching up to one and a half kilometers during peak hours.
The situation is further aggravated by the use of the canal road as an alternative route, leading to increased traffic congestion there as well. The original proposal for an alternative road through the riverbed was abandoned following a court order for its demolition. While a new road has been developed from the canal near Funtime Cinema to Vitthalwadi, it lacks the width and accessibility to cater to the traffic needs of areas like Manikbagh, Sun City, and Vitthalwadi, further compounding the congestion on Sinhagad Road.
To address the deteriorating condition of the road and ongoing traffic congestion, the Pune Municipal Corporation has taken measures to include Sinhagad Road among the 15 ideal roads for repair and maintenance. Within the next fifteen to twenty days, the Road Department of the Municipal Corporation will handle the filling of potholes and clearing of encroachments to ensure smoother travel for commuters, according to civic officials.
As the construction work on the flyover continues, commuters on Sinhagad Road will have to exercise patience and seek alternative routes to navigate through the persistent traffic woes. The Municipal Corporation’s efforts to improve the road conditions are a step towards easing the burden on motorists and ensuring safer and more convenient travel in the long run.
