Pune: Work on Chandni Chowk Pedestrian Bridge Halted Pending Traffic Police Clearance

Chandani Chowk, 5th November 2025: The construction of the elevated pedestrian bridge (foot overbridge) at Chandni Chowk on the Mumbai–Bengaluru National Highway has been temporarily halted. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stated that work can resume only after receiving necessary permissions and coordinated planning from the Pune Traffic Police and Highway Police to manage temporary traffic blocks during construction.

In a letter to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav and Highway Superintendent Vikrant Deshmukh, NHAI explained that certain phases of the bridge work—such as erecting pillars, girders, and iron stairways—require complete traffic closure for two to three hours at night over several days. The authority has sought approval to divert vehicles through alternate routes to ensure safety and minimize disruption.

“Once traffic management planning is finalized and permission is granted, the work on the bridge will resume immediately,” said Sanjay Kadam, Project Director, NHAI.

Chandni Chowk serves as a key traffic junction linking Bavdhan, NDA, Pashan, Mulshi Road, and Paud Road. Despite the completion of a massive flyover project worth around ₹865 crore, pedestrians continue to struggle while crossing the busy highway, which witnesses heavy vehicular movement throughout the day. Responding to repeated demands from local residents for safer pedestrian access, the NHAI initiated the elevated bridge project. So far, about 30–40% of the construction has been completed.

The bridge is also expected to play a vital role in the future expansion of the Pune Metro’s Vanaz–Chandni Chowk route. The proposed design includes a link connecting the metro bridge with the foot overbridge, allowing commuters to conveniently switch between the two.