Political Push to Honor Ajit Pawar with Pune Flyover Naming
In a significant development for Pune's infrastructure landscape, a formal demand has been submitted to name the newly constructed double-decker flyover at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Chowk after the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The proposal, spearheaded by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dattatray Bahirat, seeks to recognize Pawar's substantial contributions to key development projects across the region.
Official Communication and Administrative Process
Bahirat addressed a detailed letter to Yogesh Mhase, the commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), formally proposing that the flyover be christened as the "Late Hon Ajitdada Anantrao Pawar Flyover". PMRDA officials have confirmed receipt of this correspondence and stated that it will be forwarded to the chief minister's office for further consideration.
A senior PMRDA official emphasized the procedural limitations, noting, "We cannot take any decisions at our level." This is because the chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, serves as the chairperson of the PMRDA, making his office the ultimate authority for such naming decisions.
Highlighting Ajit Pawar's Legacy in Pune's Development
The communication meticulously outlines Pawar's influential role during his tenure as deputy chief minister and finance minister. It credits him with:
- Playing a pivotal role in numerous development works across Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and other parts of Maharashtra.
- Emphasizing swift decision-making, robust administrative control, and the timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.
- Being instrumental in advancing the double-decker flyover project at SPPU Chowk, specifically to address the persistent traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road.
With the flyover project nearing completion and expected to be opened to traffic imminently, the letter argues that naming this major structure after Pawar would serve as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy in shaping the city's infrastructure.
Project Update: Baner Ramp Opening and Phased Completion
In related developments, PMRDA officials provided an update on the flyover's phased opening. Commissioner Yogesh Mhase informed that the Baner wing of the integrated flyover will open soon following a final review. This ramp was initially scheduled for opening at the end of January but faced some delays.
"We will review the progress this week and open it soon," Mhase stated. He further added that the Pashan-side ramp is slated for opening in March.
Scope and Significance of the Double-Decker Flyover
This ambitious project was conceived as a long-term solution to chronic traffic congestion at Vidyapeeth Chowk and on Ganeshkhind Road—one of Pune's busiest arterial corridors connecting Shivajinagar with Aundh, Baner, and Pashan. Key features of the project include:
- Integrated Design: The flyover uniquely integrates road traffic with the Metro corridor on a single structure, making it one of the city's most complex and innovative infrastructure undertakings.
- Scale: The total length of the flyover, including all ramps, is an impressive 1.7 kilometers. The Aundh–Shivajinagar (E-Square) corridor alone, which opened to vehicular traffic in August last year, measures 1.3 kilometers.
- Current Status: Officials report that the Shivajinagar–Baner-side flyover section is already asphalted. Work on the Shivajinagar-side and Baner-side ramps is in its final phase. Furthermore, all utility lines along the Pashan ramp have been successfully relocated, allowing construction to proceed without hindrance.
Once fully operational, this landmark flyover is anticipated to bring substantial relief to Pune's commuters. It is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the critical Aundh–Shivajinagar and Shivajinagar–Baner routes, thereby easing travel time for thousands of daily commuters from Pune's burgeoning western suburbs.
