Keshav Nagar–Kharadi Bridge Ready, But Still Not Open: Pune Residents Demand Action

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Keshav Nagar, 22nd June 2026: After waiting for nearly a decade, residents of Keshav Nagar, Kharadi and nearby areas are demanding the immediate opening of the fully completed Keshav Nagar–Kharadi bridge. Although construction has been completed, the bridge has not yet been opened to traffic, leaving thousands of daily commuters frustrated.

The bridge, sanctioned in 2017, was designed to improve connectivity between Keshav Nagar and Kharadi while reducing traffic congestion in one of Pune’s fastest-growing regions. However, the project faced multiple delays during construction and came to a complete halt in September 2025. Following discussions with government authorities, work later resumed and the bridge has now been fully completed. Despite this, residents say they are still waiting for it to be opened for public use.

Frustration among locals has been steadily increasing. Recently, several residents were seen attempting to remove barricades placed on the bridge, saying they had already waited long enough for a project that is physically complete but not operational.

The bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Keshav Nagar, Kharadi, Mundhwa, Manjari, Magarpatta and Kalyani Nagar. It is also likely to reduce travel time for thousands of office-goers, especially employees working in the Kharadi IT Park.

Residents recall assurance by late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Sudhir Srivastav, Director of the Keshav Nagar Welfare Association, said residents have repeatedly followed up with authorities regarding the completion and opening of the project.

“The bridge was sanctioned in 2017. In September 2025, we held a meeting with the then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and then PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. During the meeting, we were assured that the bridge would be opened for public use at the earliest. Today, the bridge is fully complete, but it is still awaiting inauguration,” Srivastav said.

He added that while the bridge would provide much-needed relief, proper traffic management must be ensured before it is opened.

“The PMC should prepare a proper traffic management plan, especially near the Renuka Mata Mandir junction. The bridge will reduce travel time, but without planning, congestion could increase on connecting roads,” he said.

He also highlighted civic concerns in the area.

“Nearly 60 per cent of Keshav Nagar’s water supply depends on private tankers. The area is surrounded by rapidly developing localities such as Kharadi, Mundhwa and Kalyani Nagar. Along with opening the bridge, authorities must also strengthen basic civic infrastructure,” he added.

Daily traffic remains a major issue

Captain Prahlad Karwande of Konark Riva CHS said residents continue to face long travel delays despite the bridge being ready.

“We get stuck in traffic every day. The bridge was built to ease travel, but it is still not open. PMC should ensure proper planning so that traffic congestion does not simply shift to other roads after opening,” he said.

Bridge expected to ease commuter burden

Anil Bhandwalkar, member of the Mohalla Committee, said the bridge will significantly improve connectivity to Kharadi IT Park and Magarpatta.

“The bridge connects Keshav Nagar with Kharadi and is close to Magarpatta. Even if one side is opened initially, it will bring immediate relief to commuters,” he said.

He also urged environmental safeguards during development.

“If trees are removed during construction, they should be replanted elsewhere. Development should not come at the cost of the environment,” he added.

“Five-kilometre journey takes nearly two hours”

Prateek, a resident of Belcastle CHS and an IT employee, said daily commuting has become extremely difficult due to traffic congestion.

“My office is only four to five kilometres away, but it takes me one-and-a-half to two hours to reach every day. Even ambulances get stuck in traffic. We have waited for years, and now that the bridge is ready, it should be opened without further delay,” he said.

Residents seek proper traffic planning

Shubham Badgujar of Shanti Elixir CHS said the bridge must be opened soon but with proper traffic management.

“The bridge should be opened as soon as possible as people have waited for years. At the same time, PMC must ensure a proper traffic plan to avoid congestion on nearby roads,” he said.

Residents await official opening

Residents believe the bridge has the potential to transform east Pune’s traffic scenario by reducing congestion, improving connectivity and cutting travel time for thousands of commuters daily. However, they say these benefits will only be realised once it is officially opened to traffic.

Citizens have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and concerned authorities to announce an opening date at the earliest and ensure proper traffic management from day one. For residents of Keshav Nagar and nearby areas, the bridge is no longer just an infrastructure project but a long-awaited civic facility they hope will be made operational without further delay.