Pune, 3rd December 2024: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken a significant step towards addressing safety concerns regarding aging flyovers in the city.

On Tuesday (December 3), PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh approved the construction of a new flyover at Chinchwad station, replacing the decades-old structure deemed unsafe by the Railway Department.

The city, divided by the Mumbai-Pune railway line, relies on flyovers for seamless connectivity. The Indira Gandhi Flyover at Pimpri, one of the oldest in the region, links key areas like Bhosari MIDC, Pimpri Village, Pimpri Camp, and the Chinchwad Link Road.

However, the flyover has outlived its lifespan, prompting the Railway Department to recommend its closure and demolition. Responding to this, PCMC conducted a structural audit and initiated strengthening work, which has been ongoing for two years and is now in its final stages.

Similarly, the flyover at Chinchwad station, constructed 47 years ago, has been declared hazardous. The Railway Department recently urged its demolition, citing safety risks.

To address this, PCMC approved a new flyover spanning the railway line between the Mumbai-Pune highway and the Ramkrishna More Auditorium.

The existing parallel bridge at Chinchwad station, built 15 years ago, has also faced restrictions. Heavy vehicles have been barred from one section since last year. To ensure safety, Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses have been rerouted via Khadoba Mal and Akurdi.

The approval for a new flyover comes after consultations with experts who conducted a thorough inspection of the old bridge. Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized the need for timely action to ensure the safety of commuters and minimize disruption.