Pune: Traffic Chaos in Chinchwad as Railway Flyover Closure Causes Congestion

Pimpri, 26th March 2025: Commuters in Chinchwad are facing severe traffic congestion after a section of the old flyover on the Chinchwad Station railway line collapsed, leading to its closure. Light vehicles heading towards Chinchwadgaon from Chinchwad Station have been diverted to the adjacent bridge, but with only one bridge operational, traffic bottlenecks in the area have worsened.

The closed bridge plays a crucial role in connecting the Mumbai-Pune and Mumbai-Bengaluru highways. It also links the urban and industrial areas on either side of the railway line. At Chinchwad Station, two flyovers run parallel—one old and one new. The old bridge leads to Chinchwadgaon, while the newer one provides access to the Mumbai-Pune highway.

Two years ago, the Railway Department had alerted the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) about the deteriorating condition of the old flyover. In response, the civic body carried out repairs and asphalting work last year, allowing only light vehicles—two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and small four-wheelers—to use the bridge. However, with the latest structural failure, the bridge has been shut down again.

Two days ago, the Railway Department informed PCMC about the collapse of a section of the bridge’s landing near Chinchwadgaon. Following an inspection by civic officials and railway engineers, it was decided to close the bridge to traffic and commence urgent repairs. Executive Engineer Prerna Sinkar confirmed that the bridge will be reopened once repairs are completed.

The ongoing repairs have led to heavy congestion as vehicles from both Chinchwad Chowk and the Pune-Mumbai highway are being funneled onto a single route. The situation has worsened due to heavy vehicles coming from Chinchwadgaon, adding to the gridlock.