Pune: The Balewadi-Wakad bridge, a ₹25 crore project intended to connect Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, remains non-operational despite being completed in August 2021. A land acquisition issue involving 200 meters of private property near the bridge has stalled the project, forcing commuters to take an extended 8-kilometer detour via the national highway, exacerbating traffic congestion and increasing accident risks.
Background and Delays
Construction of the bridge over the Mula River, connecting Kasarwadi and Balewadi, began in 2013. After several delays, including issues with tendering, contractor changes, and land acquisition, the bridge was completed in 2021. However, the absence of connecting roads due to unacquired private land has left the structure unused.
The bridge, 175 meters long, was built to provide easier access between Balewadi, Baner, Wakad, Hinjewadi, and Rahatani. Residents of these areas were expected to benefit from the bridge by avoiding an 8-kilometer detour, but unresolved land disputes have halted its opening.
Current Situation
The Pimpri-Chinchwad side of the bridge already has a connecting road ready, while Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed 400 meters of a connecting road from Mamta Chowk to F Residency in Balewadi. However, the remaining 200 meters of land remains under private ownership, and negotiations with the landowners have yet to yield results.
Citizens have expressed their frustration over the delays, citing the risks of navigating heavy traffic and accidents on the national highway. Public interest litigation in the matter led to a court reprimand for the municipal corporations, but the situation remains unchanged.
Sudhir Chavan, Acting Chief Engineer for Smart City, stated, "Meetings have been held with the landowners at the commissioner’s level. Request letters have been sent to the landowners, and a positive response is expected soon."
Commuters Demand Action
Ajinkya Bhosale, a software engineer and regular commuter, said, "We have to take an 8-kilometer detour through the highway, risking our lives daily. The corporation must expedite the opening of the Kasarwadi-Balewadi bridge."
Key Facts About the Project
Start Date: 2013
Completion: 2021
Cost: ₹25.18 crore
Bridge Length: 175 meters
Pending Work: 200 meters of connecting road
Benefit: Avoids an 8-kilometer detour
