Pune's Indrayani River Bridge Repairs Criticized for Slow Progress, Causing Major Disruption
Residents in Pune have raised serious concerns over the painfully slow pace of repair work on a crucial bridge spanning the Indrayani River. The structure, which connects Charholi Khurd and Charholi Budruk, has shown very little visible progress since its closure, forcing thousands to endure significant daily hardships.
Bridge Closure and Safety Concerns
The bridge was officially shut down for all traffic in December 2023 following a structural audit that declared it unsafe for travel. This audit was part of a broader district administration initiative ordered after the tragic Maval bridge collapse in June 2025, an incident that claimed four lives and left several others injured. The move aimed to prevent similar disasters by assessing all bridges in the region.
Impact on Daily Commutes and Local Communities
With the bridge out of service, residents are now compelled to take a 4-5 kilometer detour via Alandi. This alternative route has not only drastically increased travel time but also become a hotspot for frequent traffic congestion, adding to the woes of commuters.
The bridge served as a vital link not just for Charholi but also for 7 to 8 nearby villages connecting to the larger Pimpri Chinchwad area. Sagar Dabhade, a resident of Charholi, highlighted the severe impact, stating, "Schoolchildren and industrial workers have been among the worst affected. The longer detour increased both travel distance and time."
Vaibhav Tapkir, a resident of Wadmukhwadi, shared his frustration, noting that he frequently travels to villages like Markal and Dhanore for work and personal visits. "The bridge was the shortest route for me. For over two months now, the route has been closed due to repair work, but there has been very little progress. As a result, we have been forced to take a longer detour," he explained.
Official Responses and Emergency Concerns
Nitin Kalje, the local corporator and former mayor, has taken action by writing to officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), urging them to expedite the repairs on priority. He emphasized that the closure is not just an inconvenience but a serious safety issue, hampering the movement of emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders.
Kalje further pointed out that the diverted traffic via Alandi has led to frequent congestion and accidents, exacerbating the risks for all road users. This situation underscores the broader implications of the delayed repair work on public safety and infrastructure reliability.
PWD Explanation and Project Timeline
In response to the criticism, a PWD official provided some clarity on the delays. The repair work officially began last month and is projected to be completed by the second week of April. However, the official cited several challenges that have slowed progress.
"The work was delayed as the design required approvals and some components had to be fabricated in Hyderabad. Our team is working round the clock and efforts are on to complete the project at the earliest," the official stated. This explanation highlights the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles often faced in such infrastructure projects, but it does little to alleviate the immediate struggles of the affected residents.
The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that well-maintained bridges play in urban and rural connectivity. As the repair work continues, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to restore normalcy and ensure safer travel routes for all.
