Pune’s Bhide Bridge remains shut repeatedly without notice, angering commuters.
Work meant to finish in 45 days has stretched to 175 days with no explanation.
Sajag Nagrik Manch demands reopening the bridge for daytime traffic.
Pune, 27 October 2025: The repeated and unannounced closure of Baba Bhide Bridge has sparked strong public anger, with citizens accusing authorities of negligence and poor planning.
Despite assurances that repair work on the bridge would be completed within 45 days, more than 175 days have passed and the project remains half-done. The delay has caused severe disruption to daily commuters, especially after the bridge was abruptly closed again following the Diwali festival, without any prior notice or traffic diversion plan.
The citizens’ group Sajag Nagrik Manch has written directly to the Pune Municipal Commissioner and Police Commissioner, demanding immediate action. The group’s president, Vivek Velankar, criticized the authorities for treating the bridge “as if it were Metro’s private property,” saying the closure decisions are made arbitrarily and without considering public inconvenience.
Velankar further urged the administration to stop “favouring the Metro unnecessarily” and at least allow traffic to pass over Bhide Bridge during daytime hours until the pending work is completed.