Pune’s iconic Bhide Bridge near Deccan Gymkhana has been closed to vehicular traffic for 45 days starting April 18, 2025, to facilitate ongoing Pune Metro construction at the Deccan Gymkhana station. The shutdown, announced by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has triggered severe congestion on alternative routes, including Jangli Maharaj Road and adjacent lanes, with commuters facing extended delays during peak hours.
The bridge’s closure is linked to critical structural work for the Metro’s Line 3 (Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar route), which requires temporary suspension of traffic to ensure pedestrian and construction safety. While the bridge is often shut during monsoon due to water releases from Khadakwasla Dam, this marks its first extended closure for Metro-related work, catching many daily commuters off guard.
With Bhide Bridge serving as a key connector between Shivajinagar and Deccan areas, the closure has diverted traffic to Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, and Tilak Road, worsening existing bottlenecks. While the bridge remains open for walkers, two-wheelers and cars must take detours, adding 15–30 minutes to travel times.
Residents and business owners have criticized the PMC for inadequate prior notice and poor traffic management. “The Metro is necessary, but the planning is chaotic,” said a Deccan-based shopkeeper
The PMC has deployed additional traffic personnel at choke points and urged commuters to use public transport or carpool. However, the absence of dedicated diversions for two-wheelers which account for 70% of the bridge’s daily traffic has exacerbated gridlocks.
The shutdown shows the growing pains of Pune’s Metro expansion, which aims to ease congestion but temporarily disrupts mobility. With Phase 1 (Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate) nearing completion, such closures are expected to increase as work intensifies on Phase 2 routes. Authorities have assured the public that the 45-day timeline will be strictly adhered to, but locals remain skeptical given past delays in infrastructure projects.
