Where roads choke with the weight of growth, new pathways promise to let the city breathe again.
Untangling a Growing Traffic Knot
Pune is preparing for a major infrastructure upgrade to tackle persistent congestion along the Chandani Chowk–Bhugaon stretch, a critical route for daily commuters and IT traffic. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed a ₹200 crore project that includes road widening, flyovers, and a grade separator to ease bottlenecks up to Ramnadi.
The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the standing committee, with a decision expected soon. Planned in two phases, the project allocates ₹67.85 crore for Phase 1 and ₹135.76 crore for Phase 2, with funding spread over three years. An initial ₹16 crore has already been utilised in the 2025–26 budget to appoint consultants and draft the project plan.
At present, certain stretches between Chandani Chowk and Bhugaon are as narrow as 10 metres, contributing to severe traffic jams, especially during peak hours. With rising population and vehicle numbers, authorities plan to expand the road width up to 60 metres, aiming to accommodate future demand.
Bridges, Flyovers, and a Faster Future
The project introduces several key structural upgrades designed to streamline movement. A 430-metre grade separator at PVG IT College Chowk—featuring a 120-metre RCC section—will be built at an estimated cost of ₹27 crore. Additionally, an 870-metre flyover spanning Ambrosia Chowk and Patil Nagar Chowk, including a 544-metre RCC stretch, will cost around ₹82 crore.
To address congestion at river crossings, a new bridge over the Ramnadi river, measuring 30 metres in length and 70 metres in width, is also planned. These interventions aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure smoother traffic flow across the corridor.
This stretch is not only vital for connecting Pune to the Konkan region—including Pirangut, Roha, Bhagadi, and Mangaon—but also serves as an alternative route to Hinjewadi IT Park. With several international educational institutions nearby and more expected, traffic demand is set to grow further.
Officials believe the project will significantly improve connectivity in western Pune, offering long-awaited relief to commuters and supporting the city’s expanding infrastructure needs.
In the rhythm of engines moving freely, a city finds its pace—and its promise.
Summary
Pune’s PMC has proposed a ₹200 crore project to ease congestion on the Chandani Chowk–Bhugaon stretch. The plan includes road widening, flyovers, a grade separator, and a new bridge over the Ramnadi. Executed in two phases, it aims to improve connectivity to Hinjewadi and the Konkan region, addressing rising traffic from rapid urban growth.
