Pune: Challenges Delay Sadhu Vaswani Bridge Demolition in Koregaon Park, PMC Seeks Railway Cooperation
Koregaon Park, 3rd December 2024: The demolition of the Sadhu Vaswani Bridge in Koregaon Park has been delayed due to a lack of approval from the railway administration for the necessary schedule changes and megablocks. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been actively following up with railway officials, with the hope of securing approval in the coming weeks.
The PMC began constructing a new bridge in Koregaon Park in April 2023, with demolition work on the old Sadhu Vaswani Bridge starting in June 2024 after obtaining initial railway clearance. However, progress has stalled, with only 40% of the old bridge demolished.
The primary hurdle is the demolition of the section of the bridge passing over railway tracks, which requires a megablock — a scheduled stoppage of train services. With heavy rail traffic in the area, the railway administration has yet to finalize a block schedule. To mitigate delays, the PMC is considering phased demolition during smaller blocks, pending railway approval.
Adding to the challenges, several huts located beneath the bridge remain in place despite earlier assurances from the Dhole Patil Regional Office that they would be removed. Action on this front is also awaited. PMC officials are urging swift coordination between municipal and railway authorities to prevent further delays and expedite the completion of the new bridge.
