Pune's Baner Flyover Ramp Set to Open on Sunday, Boosting Urban Mobility
The long-awaited Baner ramp of the double-decker flyover at University Junction in Pune is scheduled to open to the public on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the city's infrastructure development. This opening comes nearly six months after the Aundh ramp became operational in August of last year, bringing the integrated flyover project closer to full completion.
Key Infrastructure for the Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro Corridor
The 1.7-kilometer integrated flyover, which runs alongside the 23-kilometer Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro corridor, was approved by the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Construction on this vital project commenced on August 26, 2022, and it features an impressive six-lane design with multiple ramps to enhance traffic flow across the region.
The flyover includes:
- A 210-meter two-lane Aundh ramp
- A 151-meter four-lane Baner ramp
- A 116-meter two-lane Pashan ramp
- A 174-meter six-lane ramp on the Ganeshkhind side
Inauguration and Official Statements
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the integrated flyover virtually at 10 AM on Sunday. The event is expected to be attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Sunetra Pawar and Eknath Shinde, along with Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, highlighting the project's importance at both state and national levels.
PMRDA Chief Engineer Rinaj Pathan confirmed that the section being inaugurated is fully complete, with all structural, electrical, and safety checks meticulously carried out on both the flyover and Metro decks. "All safety measures have been taken before opening the stretch to traffic," Pathan stated. "The flyover will significantly ease congestion at University Junction and benefit commuters from Baner, Balewadi, Aundh, and the Hinjewadi IT hub, reducing travel time and improving traffic flow. This project represents a major step forward in strengthening urban mobility in the region."
Commuters and Officials Welcome the Development
Local residents have expressed relief and optimism about the new infrastructure. Swapnil Prabhakaran, an Aundh resident, remarked, "After the delayed opening of the Aundh and Shivajinagar ramps, the Baner ramp coming up after six months is a big relief. It will certainly ease traffic on the arterial road." Maithili More, a student, emphasized the need for traffic police deployment to ensure smooth flow once the stretch opens.
Senior PMRDA officials noted that the Aundh-Shivajinagar ramp is already operational, providing partial relief to commuters. "With the Baner ramp now ready, traffic movement along these routes is expected to improve considerably," a senior official explained. "The Pashan ramp is nearing completion too, with only a 50-meter stretch pending due to the relocation of utilities. Once this work is done, it will open without a separate timeline. The main components were the Aundh and Baner ramps."
Political Support and Future Connectivity
Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole announced on social media platform X that the E-Square-Baner Road flyover would be opened on Sunday. He expressed confidence that the new flyover would significantly ease traffic along the busy stretch and offer long-term relief to residents and daily commuters. "As Pune continues to grow, such infrastructure upgrades are vital for improving mobility and strengthening connectivity across the city," Shirole stated.
Meanwhile, ongoing work at Metro Line-3 station number 19 at University Junction will further enhance accessibility. This station is designed to provide access via stairways from the Aundh, Baner, and Pashan sides, integrating seamlessly with the flyover to create a comprehensive transportation hub.
The opening of the Baner ramp is poised to transform daily commutes in Pune, reducing congestion on the critical Baner-Ganeshkhind Road stretch and supporting the city's rapid urban expansion. This development underscores Pune's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population and thriving IT sector.
