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Pune in Paud Phata flyover lane shut for month-long repair Breakthrough

Soniya Gupta

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Pune

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will close one lane of the Swatantryaveer V. D. Savarkar flyover at Paud Phata for repairs from October 27 to November 26, 2025, affecting traffic from Nal Stop to Kothrud. Despite this closure, one lane will remain open for two-wheelers and light vehicles. PMC’s Chief Engineer Dinkar Gojare advised heavy vehicles to seek alternate routes and apologized for the inconvenience. Additionally, the sudden closure of the Bhide Bridge has caused public frustration. Activist Vivek Flanker criticized this as indicative of poor planning, as the bridge’s initial repair timeline of 45 days has extended significantly. Residents express dissatisfaction with the ongoing.

Metro construction and demand better accountability and communication from authorities regarding project timeline The Paud Phata flyover in Pune has long been one of the city’s most vital links connecting Kothrud, Deccan Gymkhana, and Paud Road. However, after years of sustained vehicular pressure and monsoon impact, the structure is now undergoing a month-long repair drive initiated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Traffic Police Department. This essential repair marks a major breakthrough in the city’s ongoing.

Infrastructure improvement mission under the Smart City Development Plan. With the flyover’s temporary closure, citizens have been advised to brace for minor travel disruptions while the civic authorities focus on strengthening safety, drainage, and long-term durability The PMC’s engineering department confirmed that a detailed structural audit conducted earlier this year revealed cracks in expansion joints, worn-out road surfaces, and water seepage at several points of the flyover deck. These findings triggered the decision to implement an urgent restoration plan. The flyover, which carries thousands of vehicles daily, particularly during peak office hours.

Structural Audit and Repair Work Strategy

Needed immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. As part of this initiative, repaving, joint sealing, waterproofing, and structural strengthening are being carried out simultaneously. For more updates on similar infrastructure The Bridge Department of PMC collaborated with civil experts from the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) to carry out a detailed inspection in June. The study revealed surface cracks caused by heavy axle loads and temperature variations that affected the concrete elasticity. The month-long project includes layer-wise asphalt removal, surface levelling, joint replacement, and concrete patch reinforcement. The civic body is also upgrading the flyover’s.

Drainage outlets to prevent rainwater accumulation that typically damages the surface during monsoons. According to officials, all work is being executed under strict quality supervision using polymer-modified bitumen and high-strength concrete mixtures to ensure longevity To ensure transparency and safety, the PMC has deployed engineers at the site for daily monitoring, while the Traffic Police Department has taken charge of regulating diversions and alternate routes. The initiative reflects the administration’s renewed focus on maintaining essential infrastructure assets rather than delaying maintenance until emergency conditions arise. This proactive approach also aligns with the long-term sustainability.

Traffic Management and Commuter Alternatives

With the Paud Phata flyover closed, the Pune Traffic Police have announced alternate routes to minimize commuter inconvenience. Motorists traveling from Kothrud toward Deccan are being diverted through Karve Road, while those coming from the Paud area are directed toward Prabhat Road. Public transport buses and emergency vehicles are being given priority on adjoining routes to prevent severe bottlenecks. Digital signboards and temporary barricades have been placed at strategic points to alert drivers well in advance Traffic congestion during morning and evening rush hours has increased, particularly around Nal Stop Chowk and Garware Bridge.

But traffic marshals and volunteers have been deployed to manage the flow efficiently. Citizens are advised to use navigation apps and follow regular updates through page for real-time advisories. Officials have also requested citizens to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected corridor during the repair period and opt for public transportation where possible The announcement of the Paud Phata closure initially triggered mixed responses across social media platforms. Daily commuters, especially those working in central Pune, expressed concerns about traffic delays and longer commute times. Local shop owners near the flyover also reported a decline in business activity due to reduced footfall.

However, the overall sentiment turned positive once the PMC clarified that the repair work was part of a comprehensive safety upgrade rather than a routine patch fix Residents have praised the PMC’s improved communication and real-time updates through digital boards, (Times) radio alerts, and social media notifications. The civic body has promised to complete the project on schedule and reopen the flyover by the end of the coming month. Such efforts indicate a shift toward citizen-centric governance that values transparency and planning. More insights into similar civic transformations can be found.

Pune’s Smart City and Mobility Plans

The Paud Phata repair is not an isolated event but part of a broader infrastructure renewal drive under the Pune Smart City Mission. The initiative focuses on making urban infrastructure resilient, technology-driven, and environmentally sustainable. As part of this plan, the PMC aims to introduce street lighting, and sensor-based water drainage management along major flyovers to prevent flooding and improve night-time visibility. The department is also exploring IoT-enabled traffic control systems to ease congestion during construction works The upcoming fiscal year will see similar structural audits across Baner.

Road, Sinhagad Road, and Swargate flyovers. These projects are designed to reduce accident risks and ensure smoother mobility for over 2 million daily commuters. The Smart City team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, continues to prioritize durability, safety, and digital integration. For those interested in policy-level details, refer to the Smart Cities Mission India for official updates and ongoing initiatives While traffic delays are an immediate challenge, experts believe that timely maintenance will save significant costs in the long run. Repairing expansion joints and concrete layering now prevents the need for expensive structural overhauls later.

Using eco-friendly construction materials such as polymer-modified asphalt helps reduce the carbon footprint. The project team is also implementing waste recycling methods, reusing old asphalt as sub-base material a technique that aligns with the city’s Green Infrastructure Policy From an economic perspective, better road conditions reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear, indirectly benefiting the local economy. The repair initiative further signals Pune’s growing commitment toward sustainable urban development. Additional insights into environmentally conscious According to senior PMC officials, the entire repair work is progressing on schedule.

Despite intermittent rainfall. Around 70 workers, engineers, and site supervisors are engaged in two shifts daily to expedite completion. If favorable weather continues, authorities expect the flyover to reopen earlier than expected. The administration has urged citizens for patience and cooperation during this period, assuring that the outcome will bring smoother and safer travel The Paud Phata Flyover Repair is expected to set a benchmark for other urban maintenance projects across Maharashtra. PMC has also proposed a post-repair audit plan to monitor performance and detect early signs of wear. This forward-thinking approach not only demonstrates strong.

Administrative planning but also builds public trust in civic infrastructure management As Pune evolves into a technology-driven metropolis, the maintenance and modernization of its transport infrastructure will remain a top priority. The Paud Phata repair project stands as a model of proactive governance, balancing commuter safety, engineering precision, and environmental responsibility. Once reopened, the flyover will feature improved surface quality, enhanced load capacity, and advanced rainwater drainage systems turning it into a sustainable asset for decades to come.

The month-long Paud Phata flyover repair thus represents more than a temporary inconvenience; it embodies Pune’s broader transformation toward resilient, efficient, and (Solar) sustainable urban mobility. By prioritizing preventive maintenance and public safety, the city sets an example for other growing urban centers in India striving to balance progress with practicality.

Q1. Why is the Paud Phata flyover closed?
It is closed for a month-long structural repair to improve safety and road quality.

Q2. How long will the repair take?
Repairs are expected to complete within four weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Q3. What alternate routes can commuters take?
Use Karve Road or Prabhat Road to bypass the closed stretch.

Q4. Who is handling the repair work?
The project is led by PMC’s Bridge Department with support from Pune Traffic Police.

Q5. Are other flyovers in Pune under maintenance?
Yes, similar inspections are underway at Baner Road and Sinhagad Road flyovers.