Pimpri: The work of a parallel bridge, which is being constructed near the Haris Bridge on old Mumbai-Pune highway, is in the final stage. The bridge will soon be operational for citizens of Pimpri Chinchwad, who travel to Pune on a daily basis. 

Deputy Engineer and spokesperson of BRTs Department of PCMC Vijay Bhojne said, “The work of the bridge is in the final stage and there is a plan to make the bridge operational from June 1. So if the bridge gets operational, it will provide a big relief.”

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is planning to inaugurate the bridge before the beginning of monsoon.

Heavy traffic jams on the Harris Bridge have always been a matter of concern. Vehicles coming in speed on the wide roads in Pimpri Chinchwad have to face a bottleneck at Harris Bridge.

Also, during rush hours in the morning and evening, the stretch of 2 to 3 km distance between Dapodi and Phugewadi and Khadki, witness heavy traffic jams. The effects of a bottleneck are felt till Wakdewadi.

The work of the bridge was supposed to be completed in 30 months. Hence, the work was expected to be done by April 30. However, due to monsoon and CME’s objection, the work of the bridge was halted for some time and so there was a delay.