Pune: The Solapur-Pune National Highway, completed in the 2010-2014 period, has seen a significant rise in traffic, with daily vehicle counts increasing from 30,000 passenger car units (PCUs) to over 42,000 by the end of 2024. To address safety concerns and reduce accidents caused by the increased traffic, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the construction of new flyovers at critical locations.

The first flyover near Arjunsonda, extending to Lamboti (Chandan Nagar) Bridge, is being built at an estimated cost of ₹19 crore and is expected to be completed within a year. Another flyover near Angar Phata will cost ₹45 crore and is set to be completed by December 2025. Meanwhile, a third flyover near Savaleshwar is estimated to cost ₹30 crore, with the proposal currently awaiting final approval.

The district has been grappling with an average of two road accident fatalities daily, prompting authorities to focus on constructing flyovers at accident-prone locations. These include areas where villagers are forced to travel against traffic to reach their fields or homes. The new flyovers are designed to include service roads and drainage systems, providing a safer and more convenient travel experience for locals.

Speaking on the future expansion of the Solapur-Pune Highway, officials confirmed that the highway would require a six-lane upgrade once daily vehicle traffic reaches 60,000 PCUs. While this expansion is still a few years away, current construction efforts aim to address immediate safety concerns.

“To reduce accidents and improve convenience for villagers, new flyovers are being built at Arjunsonda and Angar Phata. Both projects are expected to be completed within a year, and we have planned for service roads and drainage systems. Further expansion of the highway to six lanes will follow in the coming years,” said Rakesh Javadekar, Project Director, NHAI, Solapur.