Pune: Demolition of Sadhu Vaswani Rail Over Bridge Begins Amidst Traffic Woes

Koregaon Park, 5th July 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the long-awaited demolition of the Sadhu Vaswani rail over bridge in Koregaon Park, addressing persistent concerns from commuters and local residents over traffic snarls caused by ongoing diversions.

According to the PMC plan, the existing bridge will be dismantled and replaced with a new structure, a process expected to span at least one-and-a-half years. During this period, traffic will be rerouted via Mangaldas Road, Bund Garden Road, and Dhole Patil Road. However, frequent commuters have reported worsening congestion along these routes.

Recently, members of the Wake Up Pune forum met with traffic police officials to voice their dissatisfaction with the current traffic management plan. Forum leader Mohan Joshi emphasized that despite weeks of diversions, traffic flow has not improved significantly.

“We have set a deadline of July 10 for authorities to streamline traffic movement in the area. If not, we urge the traffic police to reconsider the current diversions. Citizens cannot endure this daily chaos,” Joshi asserted.

Under the current diversion plan, vehicles are prohibited from turning onto Mangaldas Road from Wadia College, as this stretch operates as a one-way route from Blue Diamond Chowk to Wadia College. Vehicles traveling from Ghorpadi Road to Koregaon Park must navigate via Council Hall Chowk, Inspection Bungalow Chowk, Wadia College Chowk, and Bund Garden Road.

However, commuters have highlighted significant congestion at these junctions, noting increased travel times due to the diversions.

Civic officials have now confirmed receiving approvals from the railways and traffic police departments to proceed with the bridge demolition. “Demolition has commenced, and in the coming days, we will begin laying the foundation for the new bridge. This approach aims to expedite construction and minimize disruption,” stated an official.