Pune Metro Opens 60-Metre Foot Overbridge At Wakad To Improve Pedestrian Safety
Pune Metro Opens 60-Metre Foot Overbridge At Wakad To Improve Pedestrian Safety
New public foot overbridge connects Wakad Metro Station with both sides of the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway, offering free and safer access for commuters and local residents.
By Vidhi Lalla
Pune: Pune Metro has opened a new 60-metre-long pedestrian foot overbridge at Wakad Metro Station, providing a safer way for people to cross the busy Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway. The bridge directly connects the upcoming metro station with the opposite side of the highway and is open to everyone free of cost, including people who are not travelling by Metro.
“Opening the foot overbridge for all pedestrians instead of limiting access to Metro commuters is a practical decision that will benefit thousands of daily users,” said Aniket Deshmukh, an urban mobility expert.
The project has been developed by the Pune IT City Metro Rail Corporation as part of efforts to improve pedestrian safety and make access to the metro station easier. Thousands of office-goers, students and residents use the Wakad junction every day, making it one of the busiest transport hubs in the city.
Earlier, pedestrians had to cross the high-speed highway at road level, posing significant safety risks because of heavy traffic moving towards Mumbai, Bengaluru and other major cities. The new bridge is expected to reduce these risks while improving connectivity for daily commuters.
“The project is a positive step, but regular maintenance, proper lighting and CCTV surveillance will be equally important to ensure people continue using the bridge safely,” said Meera Kulkarni, a real estate consultant from Wakad.
The foot overbridge has been designed as a public utility and can be used independently of Metro services. It allows residents from both sides of the highway to safely cross the road while also providing convenient access to Wakad Metro Station.
Installation of the bridge was completed over two consecutive nights to minimise disruption to traffic. Engineers used a 160-tonne crane to lift and position the steel structure, while a 70-tonne crane remained on standby throughout the operation. Traffic diversions and Quick Response Teams were deployed to ensure the work was completed safely.
The Metro station area is also being developed as a multimodal transport hub that will integrate Metro services with PMPML buses, feeder transport, private vehicles and pedestrian infrastructure. Officials believe the project will strengthen last-mile connectivity and encourage more people to use public transport.
The new bridge is expected to benefit not only Metro passengers but also thousands of local residents who travel through Wakad Chowk every day for work, education and other daily activities.
