Pune: The design for the new flyover at the Savitribai Phule Pune University junction will be finalised within a week. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and senior officials reviewed the plan on Friday (October 9). Now the traffic police department will be suggesting any changes and their opinion on the new design. But here's why you as a citizen should be concerned. Considering the flawed designs of almost all flyovers in the city, the new design for the upcoming two-tier flyover at SPPU junction should be looked at carefully.
The flyover will be 1.5 km long and will support both Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro line and the vehicular traffic to and fro Shivajinagar, Aundh, Baner and Pashan. The flyover is being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (PMRDA). During the lockdown, the old flyovers towards Pashan, Baner and Aundh were demolished, while the third flyover at Agricultural College will run parallel to the new metro line.
What are the suggestions?
There are several suggestions up for consideration. The flyover being bi-directional or unidirectional from Shivajinagar to Aundh and Baner is to be decided. In case of a one-way flyover, then the feasibility of a grade separator is being studied. Also a flyover with intersections but sans traffic signals will be thought of.
These suggestions will be thoroughly discussed during a review meeting scheduled next week. After these deliberations, the plan will be finalised and construction of the new flyover will start soon. Punekars are curious about the new design of the upcoming flyover at SPPU junction as it will affect their daily commute on the SPPU junction.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has drawn flak in the past for the flawed design on flyovers all over the city resulting in more traffic congestion than easing the commute of citizens.
