Pune–Bangalore National Highway Six-Laning Work Speeds Up, Permanent Traffic Jams at Kolhapur Entry Set to End Soon
Pune–Bangalore National Highway Six-Laning Work Speeds Up, Permanent Traffic Jams at Kolhapur Entry Set to End Soon
Flyover girder installation begins at Nagaon Phata, bringing long-term relief despite temporary inconvenience to commuters
The long-standing traffic congestion faced by vehicles entering Kolhapur city is expected to become a thing of the past as the six-laning work of the Pune–Bangalore National Highway gains strong momentum. With the flyover construction now actively underway at Nagaon Phata, authorities are confident that the permanent traffic bottlenecks at this crucial entry point will soon be resolved.
Nagaon Phata is one of the most important junctions on the highway, serving as the main connection between Kolhapur city and the Shiroli MIDC industrial area. Thousands of workers, transport vehicles, and daily commuters depend on this route, making it one of the busiest and most sensitive traffic zones in the district. For years, traffic congestion at this spot has caused delays, frustration, and safety concerns.
At present, the installation of massive bridge girders has started, marking a major milestone in the flyover construction. Each girder used in the bridge weighs around 70 tons. Two giant hydraulic cranes are being used to lift these heavy structures and place them precisely on the pillars. The work is highly technical and is being carried out with extreme caution to ensure safety and accuracy.
A total of 10 girders will be installed at this location. It takes approximately two and a half hours to install one girder, which shows the scale and complexity of the operation. Engineers and workers are operating under strict supervision, as even a small mistake could lead to serious consequences.
Due to this ongoing flyover work, vehicles turning from Nagaon Phata are currently facing some inconvenience. Heavy vehicles are being diverted to service roads and have to travel nearly one extra kilometer to reach their destinations. This detour, though temporary, has created long queues on the service road, especially during peak hours.
The situation becomes more challenging in the evening when workers return from the Shiroli MIDC industrial area. At that time, the volume of traffic increases sharply, leading to congestion and slow movement of vehicles. Commuters are advised to be patient and, if possible, use alternate routes during these hours.
Despite these temporary difficulties, officials say the speed of work has now picked up and progress is clearly visible. Once the flyover is completed, it will significantly improve traffic discipline and flow in the area. The permanent solution will reduce waiting time, prevent long traffic jams, and ensure smoother entry into Kolhapur city.
The six-laning project of the Pune–Bangalore National Highway is being seen as a transformative development for the region. It will not only improve daily commuting but also boost industrial transport, tourism, and overall economic activity in Kolhapur and surrounding areas.
Key highlights of the project include:
- Each girder weighs about 70 tons
- A total of 10 girders will be installed
- Around 2.5 hours are required to install one girder
- Two heavy hydraulic cranes are used for lifting
- The flyover will permanently solve traffic congestion at Nagaon Phata
Residents and commuters are being requested to cooperate with authorities during this crucial phase. While the current inconvenience is unavoidable, the long-term benefits of smoother traffic, better safety, and faster travel will soon make Kolhapur’s highway entry far more efficient and stress-free.
