Pune: Structural Audit Ordered for All Bridges in Pimpri-Chinchwad; One Bridge Found to Be 130 Years Old!

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 17th June 2025: Following the collapse of an iron bridge over the Indrayani River in Kundmala, Maval Taluka, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a structural audit of all 32 bridges in the city. These bridges and flyovers have been constructed at various locations to manage traffic flow over railway lines, rivers, junctions, and highways.

Among these, the Harris Bridge in Dapodi is the oldest, built 130 years ago during British rule in 1895. The Chinchwad Railway Bridge was built in 1978, making it 47 years old, and the Indira Gandhi Bridge in Pimpri was constructed in 1983, now 42 years old.

Pimpri-Chinchwad spans 181 square kilometers. To ensure efficient movement, PCMC has constructed several flyovers and bridges across the Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers. The first flyover at Tilak Chowk in Nigdi was constructed in 2004. Since then, multiple bridges have been added across key routes, including highways and railway lines.

Harris Bridge, located on the boundary between PMC and PCMC limits, had a parallel structure added by PMC in 1987, and another by PCMC in 2019 to address growing traffic. All three, Harris Bridge, the Chinchwad Railway Bridge, and the Indira Gandhi Flyover, have undergone structural audits and necessary repairs. They are now open to traffic.

However, not all bridges are in usable condition. The bridge over the Pavana River leading to Aditya Birla Hospital in Chinchwad has been in disrepair for years and is considered dangerous. Similarly, an old bridge near the Irrigation Department office in Dapodi was closed to traffic in 2008. Officials say steps will soon be taken to shut it down permanently.

Bridges in Pimpri-Chinchwad range in age from one to 130 years. PCMC City Engineer Makarand Nikam stated, “There are 32 bridges and flyovers in the city across railway lines, rivers, squares, and highways. Most are under 20 years old, while four are over 30 years old. Three have already undergone structural audits and repairs. A complete audit of all remaining bridges is being undertaken.”