The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to construct a ramp connecting Senapati Bapat Road to the recently built flyover passing through University Chowk towards Baner. This initiative aims to ease congestion by allowing vehicles from SB Road to head directly towards Baner and Pashan without having to navigate through the busy junction.
Current Traffic Challenges
At present, commuters traveling from SB Road towards Baner, Pashan, and Aundh must navigate through University Chowk, often facing severe delays during peak hours. The new ramp is designed to address this issue.
Ramp Design and Integration
“The ramp will begin beyond Chatushrungi Temple chowk and merge with the existing flyover before reaching University Chowk,” an official said. According to the official, the ramp has been carefully designed to ensure it does not interfere with traffic on the main flyover. “Similar designs have already been implemented successfully at the CoEP and Hadapsar flyovers without causing disruptions,” the official added.
Project Timeline and Technical Details
Preliminary work on the project has already begun, and the ramp is expected to be completed within a year. “Since it will cater to one-way traffic from SB Road towards the University flyover, we believe it will not create confusion either on the flyover or at the junction below. Technical assessments, including gradient and approach alignment, have already been carried out,” another civic official said.
Public Concerns and Suggestions
Regular commuters have urged the civic body to ensure that ongoing and future infrastructure work in the University Chowk area does not worsen traffic conditions during execution. Some noted that projects such as a flyover arm towards Pashan remain incomplete and should be expedited.
Pratik Kadam, a frequent commuter, said motorists continue to face difficulties while navigating between Pashan Road, Baner Road, and Aundh Road at the junction. “There is an urgent need for clear directional signage to help first-time visitors avoid confusion,” he added.
Future Infrastructure Plans
PMC officials said a proposal is under way to construct a grade separator connecting Pashan Road to Aundh Road. “Work on this project is expected to begin once the current flyover construction, including the Pashan-bound wing, is completed,” the official added.
Upcoming Projects in Pune
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to lay the foundation stone of the double-deck Mundhwa flyover project during his visit to the city on Sunday, alongside inaugurating other PMC projects. The flyover has been proposed to reduce congestion at Mundhwa chowk, with a Metro line planned on the top deck.
