Pune: 8-Year Delay Of Keshavnagar-Kharadi Bridge Sparks Protest, Residents Slam PMC For Apathy
Pune: 8-Year Delay Of Keshavnagar-Kharadi Bridge Sparks Protest, Residents Slam PMC For Apathy
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, July 12, 2025: In a dramatic demonstration, local leaders staged a rope protest on the half-built Keshavnagar-Kharadi bridge to draw attention to its inordinate delay. The bridge, which is expected to connect Hadapsar and Vadgaon Sheri constituencies, has been under construction for the past eight years and work has been completely stalled for the last five months.
Protesters climbed onto the unfinished structure and attempted to cross the river by tying ropes, evoking images of Tanaji Malusare’s legendary climb of Sinhagad Fort. However, police personnel quickly intervened and stopped them from proceeding further.
Residents and activists expressed anger at the slow progress and accused the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) of negligence. They alleged that certain financial interests are at play, with claims that completing the bridge would impact property rates in Kharadi and affect the profits of developers connected to influential political figures.
“Bridges across Maharashtra and even in other states are completed in record time, but here the work has been dragging on for years. Why is there no accountability?” asked Shiv Sena Pune City leader Sanjay More.
The protesters issued a warning that if the construction does not resume immediately, they will intensify their agitation and gherao PMC officials and the civic chief. The incomplete bridge has become a symbol of administrative apathy for residents who are forced to take long detours.
