Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Butterfly Bridge Project Remains Incomplete After Seven Years
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 22nd January 2025: The construction of the Butterfly Bridge over the Pawana River, intended to connect Thergaon and Chinchwad, remains unfinished even after seven years and a cost escalation to ₹40 crores. The project was originally budgeted at ₹25 crores. It has faced several delays. The contractor’s extended deadline is 26th January, but there are concerns that the work might not be finished by then.
The bridge construction began in 2017 intending to link Thergaon and Chinchwad. The initial tender was awarded to Dhaneshwar Construction Private Limited, which offered a bid of ₹28.71 crores—14% lower than competitors. The bridge measures 107 meters in length and 18 meters in width, designed without any pillars in the riverbed to ensure smooth water flow.
Despite an initial completion timeline of 18 months, the project has seen significant delays. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) extended the deadline to 31st October 2022, but further complications led to another extension until 26th January 2025. Currently, one side of the bridge remains incomplete, and it is uncertain if the work will be finished within the new timeframe.
The delay has been attributed to various factors, including objections from a nearby housing society and necessary design modifications that increased costs. PCMC engineers have stated that additional work is required for road connections on both sides of the bridge.
Once completed, the Butterfly Bridge is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Currently, heavy vehicles are limited to two existing bridges over the Pawana River, one of which is too narrow for larger traffic. The new bridge will facilitate easier travel between Thergaon and Chinchwad for commuters.
PCMC’s Joint City Engineer, Devanna Gattuwar, said the work was delayed due to objections from a housing society. A meeting was held with the society’s officials and contractors, and the work began after the society gave its approval. The cost has increased because the height of the bridge was raised.
