Pune: To ensure the structural integrity of bridges in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the process of inspecting 672 bridges, including those over rivers, drains, and railways, as well as flyovers and pedestrian pathways. This audit is being conducted in accordance with state government directives, which have made pre-monsoon and post-monsoon bridge inspections mandatory.
The Mula-Mutha River, which flows for 44 kilometers through Pune, has several old bridges dating back to the British era. In recent years, the PMC has constructed multiple new bridges to improve traffic flow. More bridges are also planned as part of Pune’s urban development strategy.
Currently, the municipality is constructing a bridge between Karvenagar and Suncity, while a new bridge has been completed in Aundh to enhance connectivity between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Additionally, the city has several culverts, underpasses, pedestrian subways, and railway overbridges to facilitate smooth transportation.
During the recent cloudburst in Pune, the Ambil Odha drain overflowed, causing severe damage to nearly all bridges built over it. As a response, the PMC has undertaken the phased reconstruction of these structures over the past three to four years.
The PMC’s project department is in the process of appointing a consulting firm for bridge inspections through a tendering process. Structural engineers from the firm will assess the condition of all 672 bridges and determine their safety status. Bridges requiring repairs or reinforcement will be identified, and the PMC will undertake the necessary repair work accordingly.
A budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated for this initiative in the current financial year, and an additional ₹15 crore is expected to be allocated in the upcoming budget.
The Public Works Department has mandated structural audits of all city bridges before and after the monsoon season. The PMC has accordingly initiated the process: Sandeep Patil, Executive Engineer, PMC Project Department
Breakdown of Bridges in Pune
Major Bridges – 70
Flyovers – 14
Railway Overbridges – 18
Underpasses – 33
Pedestrian Subways and Bridges – 33
Small Bridges – 108
Culverts over Drains – 434