Pimpri: A section of the ramp on the Chinchwad Station railway overbridge has collapsed, leading to its closure and causing severe traffic congestion in the area. Light vehicles have been diverted to a nearby bridge, but with only one operational route, the situation has worsened, especially during peak hours.
The overbridge plays a crucial role in connecting the Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Bengaluru highways. It also links residential and industrial areas on both sides of the railway line. At Chinchwad Station, there are twin overbridges—one old and one newly constructed. The old bridge connects to Chinchwadgaon, while the new one leads towards the Mumbai-Pune highway.
Structural Concerns Ignored Before the Collapse
Two years ago, the railway department had warned PCMC about the deteriorating condition of the old bridge and advised necessary maintenance. In response, PCMC carried out repairs, patchwork, and resurfacing a year ago, after which the bridge was reopened for only light vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars. Heavy vehicles remained restricted.
However, despite these efforts, a section of the bridge collapsed again, leading to its immediate closure. Authorities have now redirected light vehicles from Chinchwad Station towards the village using an adjacent bridge.
Urgent Repairs Underway
Two days ago, the railway department formally notified PCMC about the collapse of a portion of the ramp on the Chinchwadgaon side. Following this, municipal engineers and railway officials conducted a joint inspection and concluded that urgent repairs were needed. The railway department instructed that the bridge remain closed until the restoration work is completed. PCMC has since begun repair work while keeping the bridge shut for public use.
Traffic Chaos Due to Diversions
With the closure of the bridge, vehicles traveling from Chinchwad Chowk towards the village and those heading towards the Pune-Mumbai highway are now forced to use the same road, leading to severe congestion. The presence of heavy vehicles from Chinchwadgaon has further aggravated the situation, making daily commutes difficult for residents and businesses in the area.
