Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad’s First Flyovers Declared Unsafe, Railways Demand Demolition
Pimpri, 3rd December 2024: The Indira Gandhi Flyover in Pimpri Camp and the Chinchwad Station flyover, two vital bridges in Pimpri-Chinchwad city, have been declared unsafe as their structural life has expired. The Railway Department has directed the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to demolish both bridges to prevent potential hazards.
The Indira Gandhi Flyover, spanning the Pune-Lonavala railway line and connecting the old Pune-Mumbai highway with Pimpri village, holds the distinction of being the city’s first flyover. However, its structural lifespan has ended, and despite strengthening efforts carried out over the past three years, the Railway Department has reiterated its earlier demand to dismantle the bridge.
The Chinchwad Station flyover, built 47 years ago, faces a similar fate. The Railway Department recently informed the PCMC that the bridge has become dangerous and must be demolished. While a parallel bridge was constructed 15 years ago to accommodate traffic, the impending demolition of the old structure is likely to exacerbate congestion in the area.
“The life expectancy of both flyovers has expired, and the Railway Department has sent a letter requesting their demolition. We will discuss the matter with Commissioner Shekhar Singh before making a final decision,” said Pramod Ombhase, Chief Engineer of PCMC.
The potential demolition poses logistical challenges, as both flyovers are critical for traffic flow between key parts of the city. The Indira Gandhi Flyover, in particular, serves as a crucial link for daily commuters. While PCMC had conducted a structural audit and reinforced the Pimpri bridge, the Railway Department insists the structure remains unsafe.
As the Municipal Corporation weighs its options, residents are bracing for potential disruptions. The decision to either repair or replace these aging structures will significantly impact the city’s traffic management and infrastructure planning in the coming months.
