The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a major structural repair project for the crucial Hadapsar flyover, with work scheduled to commence in approximately two months. This comprehensive overhaul comes after a gap of four years since the last significant maintenance activity.
Extensive Structural Work Planned
The civic body's plan involves a complete replacement of all nine expansion joints and 268 bearings to strengthen the aging structure. PMC officials cited that the flyover has now completed 20 years of service, and its defect liability period is over. The administration had conducted some urgent patchwork repairs in 2022, but the current initiative is a full-scale refurbishment.
The decision follows recent consultations with structural auditors, who strongly recommended the repairs. The estimated cost for this project is around Rs 5 crore. PMC has already initiated the tendering process to appoint a specialized agency with the expertise to execute this critical infrastructure work.
Vital Link for Pune's Traffic
The Hadapsar flyover is among the first such structures built in the city and serves as a vital artery. It facilitates two-way traffic on the busy Solapur Road and has a separate wing for vehicles heading towards Saswad Road from Hadapsar. Hundreds of vehicles, including heavy trucks and buses, use it daily.
An official from PMC explained the benefits, stating, "The upcoming works will strengthen the flyover and prevent the development of cracks. The overall travel experience will also improve as commuters will not face bumpy rides on the span joints." The flyover's primary advantage is that it eliminates the need for vehicles to halt at the congested Hadapsar chowk and helps bypass the crowded Hadapsar gaothan area.
Traffic Management and Public Concerns
Acknowledging potential disruptions, the official confirmed that the civic body will prepare a joint traffic management plan with the traffic police before work begins. This is in direct response to past grievances. Regular commuters on Hadapsar and Saswad roads recall the immense inconvenience caused during the 2022 repairs when the flyover was suddenly shut for heavy vehicles, leading to prolonged congestion.
Local residents and activists have voiced additional concerns. Activist Amit Gaikwad criticized PMC's maintenance record, saying, "PMC is not taking enough steps to maintain roads and flyovers in the city. Lack of proper maintenance often leads to early damages. There is a need for a third-party audit of all infrastructure works executed by PMC."
Hadapsar resident Ashish Mate suggested that PMC should also consider redesigning the flyover near Magarpatta chowk to streamline traffic further. Manjari resident Atul Wakade pointed out that traffic flow on Solapur Road near Hadapsar is already chaotic and urged authorities to devise a comprehensive plan before starting repairs.
The flyover was originally constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and is currently under the maintenance jurisdiction of the Pune Municipal Corporation. The city awaits the promised upgrades, hoping for minimal disruption and a smoother, safer commute upon completion.
