Double-Decker Flyover Progress: PMRDA Eyes Agriculture College’s Internal Road as Key Alternative Route

Shivajinagar, 12th January 2024: In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion on Ganeshkhind Road, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has approached Agriculture College officials, seeking permission to use its internal road as an alternative route. This move follows a recent survey conducted by authorities to explore traffic diversions at University Chowk, facilitating the construction of the double-decker flyover from the junction to E-Square.

The double-decker flyover is a crucial component of the city’s elevated third Metro line, connecting Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar, under construction by PMRDA. The alternative route proposed through the Agriculture College campus aims to assist commuters traveling from Fergusson College Road to Range Hills.

PMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal, in a letter to Agriculture College officials, has requested the use of the internal route for the next eight to ten months, assuring adequate security measures for staff and students. Mahiwal emphasized that while alternate routes are already in place to mitigate congestion, the additional alternative will directly connect vehicles from FC Road to the stretch leading to Aundh or Bopodi through Sinchan Nagar or Range Hills.

Currently, the road’s length is 1.9km, with 0.5km cemented and the remainder in urgent need of repairs. PMRDA officials stated that if permission is granted, repairs can be promptly undertaken to accommodate daily commuting of light vehicles. Necessary barricades, signboards, and traffic police will be deployed along this route.

Shivajinagar Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Siddarth Shirole, along with PMRDA officials, surveyed the stretch on Wednesday, submitting the proposal for the route via Agriculture College to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday. Shirole highlighted that the temporary alternative route will aid citizens in reaching Aundh or Bopodi, reducing congestion on the primary Ganeshkhind Road.

The time frame from February 15 to June 15 is considered crucial for barricading permissions to ensure the completion of the double-decker flyover by the August 2024 deadline. PMRDA anticipates finishing the 1.7-km flyover from University Chowk to E-Square by August 15, integrating the Metro line above it.

In a related development, PMRDA has obtained Pune district court sanction to utilize 1,150.66 sqm of land for a station on the 23-km Metro line. The land transfer, pending for three years, was approved, with an MoU already in place. PMRDA will construct a Pocso court in exchange for the land, aiming to complete the building within 18-20 months.