Pune : Lives At Risk Due to Incomplete Elevation Work on Ambil Odha

By: Pune Pulse

June 12, 2023

Pune: The incomplete height elevation work of the bridge spanning Ambil Odha, from Mitra Mandal Chowk to Parvati Gaon in Pune, has become a cause for concern among residents. The ongoing construction has left the street narrow and devoid of safety measures, making it unsafe for pedestrians.

Shekhar Yadav, a resident of Parvati Gaon, expressed his apprehension, stating, “The height elevation work has been stagnant for years, resulting in narrower roads without proper provisions such as footpaths. Consequently, walking on the street, especially at night, poses a serious threat to our safety. We urge the authorities to promptly complete the bridge work.”

Amit Abhyangkar, the head of Sahakar Nagar Residents’ Forum, criticized the lack of strategic planning and contractor negligence. He emphasized the urgency of completing the work before schools reopen, as it also poses risks to school vans. Additionally, with the monsoon approaching, the absence of proper planning exacerbates the situation. Abhyangkar suggested that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should install information boards indicating alternate routes and a specified timeline for the completion of the work.

Commenced in April 2021 with a budget of Rs 22 crore, the bridge construction remains incomplete. Vijay Kulkarni, Chief Engineer (Road) at PMC, assured residents that only the 1400-millimeter water pipeline from Bhagwat Hospital in Parvati Gaon remains to be completed. He committed to finishing the work within the next month.

Dilip Arundekar, General Secretary of the Nationalist Congress Party in Pune, criticized the PMC for wasting taxpayers’ money. He highlighted the danger posed by the incomplete water pipeline and bridge work, emphasizing the absence of safety measures such as strong barricades. Arundekar recounted witnessing a near-miss incident where a person almost fell into the stream while driving. He mentioned a previous protest in 2021, which contributed to half of the work nearing completion. However, he warned that if the entire project is not finished promptly, they will stage another protest.

Shreyas Vange