Sinhagad Road, a vital artery connecting Pune’s bustling city center to its fast-growing western suburbs, has long been plagued by chronic traffic jams. The new flyover-stretching over key intersections and designed to bypass some of the area’s busiest signals-was seen as a major step toward alleviating congestion.
When the flyover was inaugurated, city officials and politicians touted it as a “game changer” for local mobility. The project was meant to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and boost the area’s real estate and commercial prospects.
Poorly designed entry and exit ramps have created new choke points, with vehicles merging abruptly and causing frequent slowdowns. The flyover has not resolved congestion on the surface roads below, where local traffic, buses, and two-wheelers still jostle for space. Lack of proper signage, lane discipline, and traffic police presence has led to confusion and unsafe driving conditions, especially during peak hours. Vendors, unauthorized parking, and encroachments continue to eat into road space, further hampering smooth traffic flow.
Recognizing growing public frustration, local MLAs have taken up the issue with renewed urgency. In recent meetings with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and traffic police officials, they have put forward several demands:
Redesigning Flyover Ramps: MLAs have called for immediate redesign and widening of the flyover’s entry and exit points to prevent bottlenecks.
Surface Road Upgrades: Proposals include resurfacing and widening of key stretches, removal of encroachments, and stricter enforcement against illegal parking.
Improved Traffic Management: Deployment of additional traffic personnel, installation of smart traffic signals, and better signage to guide motorists.
Public Transport Integration: Suggestions to improve bus stops and last-mile connectivity, encouraging more commuters to use public transport and reduce private vehicle usage.
Commuters and local business owners have expressed both disappointment and cautious optimism. Many feel that while the flyover was a step in the right direction, it is only a partial solution to a much larger problem.
“The flyover helps a bit, but the real issue is the chaos below. We need a complete overhaul, not just a bridge,” said a Sinhagad Road shopkeeper.
The Sinhagad Road flyover saga highlights a common challenge in Indian urban infrastructure: piecemeal solutions often fall short without integrated planning. Experts argue that only a combination of engineering fixes, traffic discipline, and civic enforcement can bring lasting relief.
PMC has assured that it is reviewing the MLAs’ proposals and will soon announce a roadmap for further improvements. Meanwhile, residents and commuters are watching closely, hoping that the next phase of upgrades will finally deliver the smooth, safe, and efficient traffic flow they deserve.