New Railway Overbridge To Come Up At Chinchwad
New Railway Overbridge To Come Up At Chinchwad
Pimpri, 29 August 2025: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved the dismantling of the old railway overbridge (ROB) near Chinchwad railway station and construction of a new one to replace it. The decision, based on expert structural audit reports and approvals from the Railways, will address long-standing citizen demands for better and safer connectivity in the area.
The existing left-side ROB, built in 1976 on the Mumbai–Pune Highway stretch via Mahavir Chowk towards Chinchwad village, has reached the end of its service life. Although the parallel right-side ROB built in 2004 continues to function well, the old bridge was found structurally weak. Based on audit recommendations, PCMC had already restricted the old bridge to light vehicles and two-wheelers, diverting heavy vehicles and buses through alternative routes. This diversion had caused inconvenience to residents, who had been demanding a new, safe structure to restore direct connectivity.
In response, PCMC carried out multiple rounds of technical reviews. Structural audits by consultant in 2021 and a subsequent review by Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering in 2022 strongly recommended demolition of the old bridge. Citizens’ feedback was also taken into account, with local representatives raising the issue of disrupted traffic flow and longer travel times. Following these developments, the Railways granted consent in October and December 2024 to demolish the old ROB and reconstruct a modern replacement.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “The safety of our citizens is paramount. The old Chinchwad ROB has served the city for nearly five decades, but expert assessments and citizen feedback made it clear that a new structure is needed. With Railways’ approval, PCMC is moving forward with a modern bridge that will restore convenience for residents and ensure long-term safety.”
Additional Commissioner Vijayakumar Khorate added, “This project has been a long-pending demand of the citizens of Chinchwad. We are committed to completing it at the earliest in coordination with the Railways, ensuring minimal disruption during construction and maximum benefit once the new bridge is operational.”
PCMC Chief Engineer Pramod Ombhase said, “The structural audit revealed that the bridge was no longer suitable for heavy traffic. Citizens had also expressed inconvenience due to the diversion of buses and heavy vehicles. With the Railways’ clearance in hand, PCMC has appointed a project management consultant, and work is being planned in close coordination to ensure the new bridge is constructed without delay.”
The new bridge will not only improve safety but also restore ease of movement for thousands of daily commuters who rely on this vital connection.
