Pune: Katraj Flyover Completion Delayed To 2025 Amid Traffic Diversion Challenges
Katraj, 29th November 2024: The construction of the Katraj Chowk flyover, originally scheduled for completion in February 2024, has faced significant delays and is now projected to finish in 2025. Despite extending the deadline to December 2024, ongoing challenges, particularly in traffic diversion planning, make completion within the revised timeline unlikely.
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Pune Traffic Branch are conducting a study to address errors identified in two previous traffic diversion trials at Katraj Chowk. The flyover construction, specifically the placement of girders near the main junction, requires effective traffic redirection and alternative routes to avoid chaos.
Earlier attempts by the NHAI to divert traffic, with assistance from the Traffic Branch, failed due to inadequate planning, causing severe confusion and inconvenience for commuters and residents. To address these issues, a joint meeting is being conducted involving representatives from NHAI, Bharti Vidyapeeth Traffic Division, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), private transport operators, and rickshaw unions. The goal is to devise a cohesive traffic plan to minimize disruptions and accelerate flyover construction.
Amol Zende, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), assured that all necessary measures to manage transportation during construction will be implemented. He emphasized the need to ensure minimal inconvenience to residents and prioritize coordination with PMPML and heavy vehicle operators.
The revised traffic measures under consideration include:
– Diverting heavy vehicles and buses through the new tunnel to Navale Bridge and Sinhagad Road.
– Limiting PMPML bus routes to Katraj Gujrwadi Phata and rerouting Swargate-Katraj buses via Katraj Dairy Chowk.
– Directing traffic from Kondhwa to Katraj through Rajas Chowk and diverting Navale Bridge-bound traffic via Beldare Pump.
– Removing encroachments and illegal parking from Katraj Chowk and nearby roads.
