Pune, 29 August 2025: The long-awaited flyover on Sinhagad Road, stretching from Veer Shiva Kashid Chowk to Hingne, remains unopened even after its construction was completed, sparking political protests and public anger. Authorities have deployed police at the site as a precaution.
The flyover was expected to be inaugurated along with the recently opened Acharya Anand Rishiji Chowk flyover near Savitribai Phule Pune University. However, at the last moment, officials cited incomplete work as the reason for postponement.
Local leaders from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar group) staged protests, demanding that the bridge be opened immediately for traffic.
They argued that citizens are suffering due to congestion while the ₹118-crore project, funded by taxpayers, remains unused.
MNS leaders alleged that the delay is only because the local MLA and minister are currently abroad, suggesting the inauguration could be done online instead of keeping people waiting. Opposition parties criticized the situation, saying that instead of serving citizens, the police are now guarding a bridge.
Congress representatives added that while officials mention pending tests, the real reason is the chief minister’s unavailability for the ceremony. NCP leaders accused the government of neglecting commuters’ problems, calling the flyover a “showpiece” left idle for political reasons.
Project engineer Dinkar Gojare clarified that a few final safety works are still in progress. He assured that once completed, the flyover will be opened to traffic without delay.