Pune’s Bhide Bridge will remain closed for an additional one and a half months as metro rail construction work continues to face delays. The extended closure, impacting thousands of daily commuters, is part of ongoing efforts to complete critical infrastructure for the Pune Metro project. Authorities have urged residents to plan alternative routes while promising timely completion to minimize inconvenience.
The Bhide Bridge, a vital traffic artery connecting Pune’s central localities, has been closed since early May to facilitate the construction of the Pune Metro’s underground and elevated sections. Originally expected to reopen sooner, project delays have pushed the reopening date to mid-July. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has officially confirmed this extension, citing complex engineering challenges and coordination issues as key reasons.
Metro construction in Pune is progressing as part of a larger urban mobility plan aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving public transport efficiency. However, infrastructure works around Bhide Bridge have encountered unforeseen difficulties, including utility relocations, soil stabilization, and safety concerns that necessitated the prolonged closure.
Daily commuters who rely on the bridge for travel between Pune’s Old City and Deccan areas are now facing significant detours, with increased traffic congestion reported on alternative routes such as Tilak Road and Shivajinagar. Public transport operators have adjusted their routes, and PMC has increased signage and traffic management personnel to streamline flow during this period.
The Pune Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) has emphasized that while the delay is inconvenient, the closure is essential to ensure structural safety and long-term durability of the bridge and metro infrastructure. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to revised timelines and called for public cooperation during the remaining construction phase.
The project is part of Pune’s Phase 1 metro development, which includes multiple lines aimed at connecting key commercial and residential zones. Despite setbacks, the metro is expected to significantly reduce travel times and ease Pune’s worsening traffic woes once fully operational.
