After enduring years of severe traffic congestion at University Chowk and along Ganeshkhind Road, Pune commuters are on the cusp of receiving significant and lasting relief. The ambitious integrated double-decker flyover, which also carries the Metro corridor at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk, is nearing its final stages of completion.
Project Status and Phased Opening
Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) announced on Saturday that the massive infrastructure project is now 90% complete, with only the ramp works remaining. The Aundh–Shivajinagar (near E-Square) section of this flyover was already opened to vehicles in August last year, providing partial respite.
The remaining ramps are now scheduled to be opened in a phased manner. According to PMRDA officials, the Baner-side ramp is likely to be operational by the end of January. This will be followed by the opening of the Pashan-side ramp by the end of February, pending the resolution of some minor utility-related issues.
A Complex Solution for a Chronic Problem
PMRDA chief engineer Rinaj Pathan emphasized that this project is designed as a long-term fix for the persistent gridlock at University Chowk and on Ganeshkhind Road. This arterial corridor is one of Pune's busiest, connecting Shivajinagar with key western suburbs like Aundh, Baner, and Pashan.
Pathan described the structure as one of the city's most complex undertakings, uniquely integrating road traffic and a Metro line on a single structure. Explaining the design, she stated that traffic from Aundh and Baner heading towards Shivajinagar is directed via two-lane up-ramps on either side. These merge into a three-lane integrated double-decker bridge shared with the Metro, all supported on a single pier.
"Similarly, traffic from Shivajinagar towards Baner and Pashan is channelled via a three-lane up-ramp that connects to the same integrated bridge, before splitting into two-lane down-ramps in each direction," Pathan explained.
The entire flyover, including its ramps, spans 1.7 kilometers, with the Aundh–Shivajinagar section alone measuring 1.3 km. Officials confirmed that asphalt work on the Shivajinagar–Baner stretch is finished, and ramp construction on both ends is in its final stages. While utility lines along the Pashan ramp have been shifted, a pipeline-related issue remains a coordination challenge.
Commuters Await Full Relief, Metro Progress
Once fully operational, the flyover is anticipated to drastically reduce congestion on the Aundh–Shivajinagar and Shivajinagar–Baner routes, slashing travel time for thousands of daily commuters from Pune's western suburbs.
Local residents, however, are eager for the project to be completed. "It takes almost 45 minutes just to cross University Chowk during peak hours. The flyover has helped, but the ramps need to open soon," said a daily commuter from Baner.
A PMRDA official assured that the phased opening of the ramps will lead to a gradual improvement in traffic flow until the entire project is fully commissioned.
In related infrastructure news, Pune Metro Line-3, which will run from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, has successfully cleared a major safety hurdle. It has completed the mandatory inspection by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), certifying its compliance with all safety and technical standards.
Officials added that 14 out of the 22 planned Metro trainsets have already arrived in Pune. These will be used for phased testing and trial runs. Civil, systems, and finishing works at stations are also nearing completion, with most stations targeted to be ready by March 31, 2026, ahead of the commencement of full-scale operations.
