Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the process of appointing a technical consultant for the repair of bridges over rivers and drains in the city. The second phase of the repair work is set to commence next month, aiming to improve the structural integrity and longevity of the bridges.
To ensure the safety and durability of city bridges, PMC had earlier conducted a structural audit of bridges built over streams, canals, and drains.
Following the audit, the corporation allocated ₹35 crore for the repair of 38 bridges, prioritizing 11 bridges that required immediate attention. The Special Projects Department undertook the repair of these 11 bridges, focusing on replacing bearings and expansion joints.
So far, the bearings of seven bridges have been successfully replaced, while expansion joint work on the remaining structures is in progress. This phase is expected to be completed within a month.
With the completion of the first phase, PMC is now preparing for the second phase of bridge repairs, which will cover 27 additional bridges. The process of appointing a technical consultant for this phase has already begun. Once the appointment is finalized by March, PMC will prioritize the repair work based on the structural condition of each bridge and the available budget.
Apart from the bridges over rivers, PMC’s road department will also conduct a survey of bridges constructed over drains and streams. These structures will undergo a structural audit, following which necessary repairs and reinforcements will be carried out. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the overall safety and longevity of bridges across the city.
Yuvraj Deshmukh, Head of the Special Projects Department, stated, “Repair work on 11 bridges over rivers has been completed. In the second phase, a structural audit of bridges over rivers, drains, and canals will be conducted. The process of appointing a technical consultant is underway, and once completed, the remaining repair work will be carried out.”