Rs 277 Crore Double-Decker Flyover at Pune University Chowk Inaugurated by CM Fadnavis

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 8th March 2026: An integrated double-decker flyover constructed near the main entrance of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has been opened for public use, a move expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in one of the city’s busiest corridors.

The flyover was inaugurated today by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through video conferencing. The project aims to improve traffic flow on Ganeshkhind Road and strengthen Pune’s transport infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said cities growing as rapidly as Pune require strong infrastructure to sustain development. He noted that the state government has been implementing multi-dimensional planning to reduce congestion and modernise urban mobility in the city.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Pune district guardian minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, MLA Siddharth Shirole, PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase and Pune Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B. P., among others.

Fadnavis said the decision to demolish the old bridge at University Chowk and construct a modern double-decker flyover had initially faced several challenges and differing opinions. However, the project was completed successfully after consultations with stakeholders and cooperation from leaders across political parties.

He also recalled the role played by the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in pushing the project forward. According to Fadnavis, Pawar had taken the initiative to pursue the development of the flyover despite criticism during the early stages of the project.

Highlighting the city’s rapid growth, the Chief Minister said Pune has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres. In addition to the expansion of the IT sector, the city is increasingly becoming a major hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Over the past year, Pune has reportedly recorded the highest development of GCC office space in the country, further strengthening its economic significance.

Fadnavis said infrastructure gaps have slowed development in several large cities, and the state government is determined to prevent similar issues in Pune. Since road space in the city is limited, authorities are focusing on solutions such as flyovers, grade separators, underpasses and expansion of public transport systems to improve mobility.

He added that transport infrastructure development in Pune is currently underway at multiple levels, including road projects, metro expansion and underground connectivity. Two ring road projects are also being implemented to improve regional connectivity.

The Chief Minister said that public sentiment in favour of naming the new flyover after Ajit Pawar has been noted and the government would consider taking a positive decision in this regard.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar said the opening of the integrated flyover is a significant milestone for the city, as traffic congestion near the university gate and along Ganeshkhind Road has been a persistent problem for many years.

She explained that the structure has been designed as an integrated double-decker system, with the upper level accommodating a metro corridor and the lower level functioning as a road flyover for vehicular traffic.

Separate ramps have been created to facilitate movement from Aundh and Baner towards Shivajinagar, as well as from Shivajinagar towards Baner and Pashan. Connectivity with Senapati Bapat Road and the provision of an underpass are also expected to streamline traffic in the area.

Sunetra Pawar said the project also brings back memories of Ajit Pawar, who had taken the decision to demolish the old bridge and replace it with a modern structure capable of handling future traffic demand. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project continued with efforts to minimise inconvenience to citizens and was completed in a relatively short time.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol said the flyover has been built by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority at a cost of about ₹277 crore. The structure has a total length of 1,763 metres and is expected to significantly reduce congestion in areas such as Shivajinagar, Aundh, Baner and Pashan.

Minister of State Madhuri Misal said the Maharashtra government has placed strong emphasis on infrastructure development in the state budget, with significant allocations for Pune to help develop the city as a major growth hub.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said the project will play a crucial role in supporting the development of the Pune metropolitan region.
MLA Siddharth Shirole added that the integrated flyover will act as an important link in reducing traffic pressure and improving mobility in western Pune.

PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase, while presenting the project overview, said the flyover incorporates modern engineering features and is expected to benefit the western part of the city.

According to officials, the flyover includes ramps connecting key routes linking Aundh, Baner, Pashan and Shivajinagar. A 55-metre steel girder has also been installed to ensure smooth traffic movement across the junction.

Several public representatives, officials and citizens were present at the inauguration ceremony.