Pune: Centre Clears Elevated Bridge at Pune’s Accident-Prone Navale Bridge After Repeated Fatalities
New Delhi/Pune, 18th December 2025: In a major relief for thousands of commuters and residents in Pune’s southern suburbs, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has granted immediate approval for the construction of an elevated bridge at the accident-prone Navale Bridge on the Pune–Bengaluru Highway. The decision was taken following a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, amid growing concern over a series of fatal accidents, traffic congestion, and serious safety lapses at the site.
The issue was strongly raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP- Ajit Pawar Faction) Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare, who highlighted the alarming frequency of accidents at Navale Bridge, including incidents that have claimed several lives. The meeting was convened on Tatkare’s initiative, with the demand for a permanent solution taking centre stage.
During the meeting, leaders and representatives detailed the chain of deadly accidents, severe traffic bottlenecks, and the daily risk faced by motorists and pedestrians. The urgency of the matter was underscored by a recent tragic incident in which a woman and her daughter died in a horrific accident near the bridge.
Taking immediate cognisance of the gravity of the situation, Gadkari held on-the-spot discussions with senior officials over the phone and granted swift approval to the elevated bridge proposal. He also issued clear instructions to immediately remove encroachments on service roads to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce accident risks.
Union Minister Gadkari further assured that all administrative procedures would be fast-tracked and that work on the elevated bridge would begin without delay. He stressed that responsible officers must act promptly, given the sensitivity and public safety implications of the issue.
The sustained follow-up by Khadakwasla NCP working president Bhupendra More, who had repeatedly staged agitations and submitted representations to the administration over the Navale Bridge accidents, was also acknowledged. More had consistently demanded systemic corrections, traffic management improvements, and infrastructure upgrades to prevent further loss of life.
The meeting was attended by Sunil Tatkare, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Bhupendra More, and Somnath Shedge, among others.
Once completed, the elevated bridge is expected to bring significant relief to commuters from Narhe, Vadgaon Budruk, Ambegaon, Warje, and thousands of motorists who use this busy stretch daily.
