PMRDA Assures Structural Integrity of Pune's Baner Flyover Ramp
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has officially dismissed any structural concerns regarding the Baner ramp of the integrated double-decker flyover at Pune University Chowk. This clarification comes in response to a formal request from PMC corporator Sunny Vinayak Nimhan, who called for an immediate inspection due to potential defects observed in a section of the structure.
Official Statement on Safety and Finishing Work
A senior PMRDA official emphasized that the visible issues in photographs circulating on social media are purely cosmetic. "There is no structural defect in the Baner ramp. What is visible in the photo is related to the outer crash barrier finishing and painting work. It does not affect the structural integrity of the flyover," the official stated.
Another authority representative confirmed that a letter has been dispatched to the concessionaire, PITCMRL, instructing them to rectify the finishing work and complete all external tasks. Additionally, the concessionaire has been directed to install proper direction boards for commuters within an eight-day timeframe.
Pre-Opening Inspections and Long-Term Durability
The PMRDA official further reassured the public by highlighting that comprehensive technical inspections were conducted before the ramp was opened to traffic. "The structure has undergone complete technical inspections before inauguration and is perfectly safe for vehicular movement," he noted, adding that minor finishing touches on the crash barrier will be promptly addressed.
Corporator Nimhan had expressed concerns in his letter to the PMRDA commissioner, pointing out that a social media photograph seemed to show an improperly sealed structural joint on the ramp. He raised questions about construction quality, especially given the flyover's use of a prestressed segmental construction system, where post-tensioning cables bear the primary structural load.
"While external defects may not cause immediate collapse, defects in joints can affect the long-term durability, safety and lifespan of the structure," Nimhan cautioned, underscoring the daily use of the ramp by thousands of vehicles. He advocated for an independent technical structural audit and suggested a third-party inspection to ensure ongoing safety and reliability.
The PMRDA's swift response aims to alleviate public concerns, reinforcing that the flyover remains secure for all commuters while minor aesthetic improvements are underway.
