Pune News: Bhide Bridge Closure Extended Till Mid-August as Metro Footbridge Work Lags Behind
Pune News: Bhide Bridge Closure Extended Till Mid-August as Metro Footbridge Work Lags Behind
Daily commuters using Pune’s vital Bhide Bridge will have to wait longer to resume their regular route, as the bridge closure has now been extended till August 15. The delay comes amid significantly slow progress on Metro-related construction, leaving both local authorities and citizens frustrated.
The bridge, which has been off-limits since March, was originally slated to reopen by June 6. However, less than one-fifth of the planned work has been completed so far, prompting MahaMetro to seek an extension from the Pune Traffic Police and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). With approval likely, the bridge will remain closed for nearly five months in total.
At the heart of the delay is the construction of a steel pedestrian bridge that aims to link Sadashiv Peth directly to the upcoming Deccan Metro Station. The overpass is intended to ease access for pedestrians and enhance connectivity to the Metro network. While the idea was welcomed for its long-term benefits, the slow pace of execution has left much to be desired.
What adds to the city’s commuting woes is the crucial role Bhide Bridge plays in Pune’s traffic system. It acts as a major conduit for two-wheeler traffic between the bustling Peth areas and the city’s western suburbs. On any given day, nearly 2.5 to 3 lakh two-wheelers rely on this route, making the closure especially disruptive.
Historically, the bridge is only closed during the monsoon season, either due to a rise in Mutha River’s water levels or controlled water releases from upstream dams. This prolonged closure, driven by infrastructure work, is rare and has left regular commuters scrambling for alternative routes. As citizens brace for another month and a half of detours and congestion, the pressure is now on MahaMetro to accelerate the project and deliver on its revised timeline.
