Pune: Name the Sinhagad Flyover as ‘Pratipandharpur Vitthal-Rukmini Flyover’ – Demands Activist
Pune, 16th June 2025: Social activist and president of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Sangharsh Samiti (Maharashtra), Shashikant Kamble, has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to name the newly constructed flyover on Sinhgad Road as ‘Pratipandharpur Vitthal-Rukmini Flyover’. Kamble submitted a formal memorandum to PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Monday (June 16), in support of this demand.
Former corporator Kakasaheb Chavan, activists Nitin Hanamghar, Sharad Dabade, Vikas Kamble, Sagar Gaikwad, and Sanghadeep Shelar were also present during the meeting with the commissioner.
Kamble said, “The flyover connecting Rajaram Bridge to FunTime Theatre has greatly benefited commuters from Wadgaon Dhayari, Anandnagar, Nanded City, Narhe-Ambegaon, Kirkatwadi, and those travelling towards Sinhgad Fort. We appreciate the efforts of the state government, the PMC, and local representatives for this infrastructure.”
Highlighting the cultural significance of the area, Kamble added, “The historic Vitthal-Rukmini temple located at Vitthalwadi on Sinhgad Road is a revered site known as Pratipandharpur (a counterpart to the pilgrimage town Pandharpur). Lakhs of devotees visit this temple during Ekadashi and the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage. As the flyover passes through this spiritually significant region, we demand it be named after the deities as ‘Pratipandharpur Vitthal-Rukmini Flyover’.”
In addition to the naming proposal, Kamble also appealed to the civic body to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on the flyover to ensure public safety. “Frequent movement of heavy vehicles such as trailers, dumpers, cement mixers, and multi-axle trucks is leading to recurring traffic congestion and increasing the risk of fatal accidents. Vibrations from such traffic also threaten the structural integrity of the flyover, which already allows only one-way traffic. Commuters are compelled to travel in fear,” Kamble stated.
He called on PMC to take immediate steps to ban the entry of heavy vehicles over the flyover to reduce accidents and preserve commuter safety.
