Pune: Chinchwad Flyover to Be Demolished, New Bridge Construction Approved

Pimpri, 5th December 2024: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has decided to demolish the old flyover connecting the Pune-Mumbai highway and Chinchwad village near Chinchwad station due to the end of its life expectancy. The decision follows recommendations from the Railway Department. Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has approved the appointment of a consultant for the construction of a new bridge.

Chinchwad has two parallel railway flyovers, one of which, on the left when traveling from Chinchwad station to the village, is now deemed unfit for continued use. A structural audit of the bridge, conducted by an expert organization, highlighted its deteriorating condition. The report was further reviewed by Pimpri-Chinchwad College of Engineering in Akurdi, confirming the need for action.

The Railway Department had also advised reducing the dead load on the slab of the bridge, prompting PCMC to restrict its usage to light vehicles and ban heavy traffic and buses.

Due to the closure of the old bridge for heavy traffic, buses and heavy vehicles have been rerouted through Dalvi Nagar, causing inconvenience to citizens. Following demands from local representatives to restore heavy traffic, the Municipal Corporation initiated discussions with the Railway Department.

A new railway flyover has been approved in principle, with plans to replace the old bridge. The Railway Department recommended demolition of the existing structure for safety reasons, prompting Commissioner Singh to approve both the demolition and the appointment of a consultant for the project.

Meanwhile, strengthening work on the flyover in Pimpri, conducted as per Railway Department recommendations, is nearly 90% complete. This has extended the bridge’s life expectancy by five to ten years. Further structural audits will be conducted after five years to assess its condition.

The tendering process for the new bridge will be completed within three months after budget preparation and Railway Department approval. Financial provisions for the project are already being made.

“The flyover at Chinchwad will be demolished as per the Railways’ advice. We have appointed a consultant, and further action will be taken soon,” confirmed Commissioner Shekhar Singh.