PMC to build ramp connecting SB Road to flyover passing via University Chowk to ease congestion at junction

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to construct a ramp connecting Senapati Bapat Road to the recently built flyover passing through University Chowk towards Baner to ease congestion by allowing vehicles from SB Road to head directly towards Baner and Pashan without having to pass through the busy junction.

At present, commuters travelling from SB Road towards Baner, Pashan and Aundh are required to navigate through University Chowk, often facing severe delays during peak hours. “The ramp will begin beyond Chatushrungi Temple chowk and merge with the existing flyover before reaching University Chowk,” an official said.

According to the official, the ramp has been carefully designed to ensure it does not interfere with traffic on the main flyover. “Similar designs have already been implemented successfully at the CoEP and Hadapsar flyovers without causing disruptions,” the official said.

Preliminary work on the project has already begun, and the ramp is expected to be completed within a year. “Since it will cater to one-way traffic (from SB Road towards the University flyover), we believe it will not create confusion either on the flyover or at the junction below. Technical assessments, including gradient and approach alignment, have already been carried out,” another civic official said.

Regular commuters have, however, urged the civic body to ensure that ongoing and future infrastructure work in the University Chowk area did not worsen traffic conditions during execution. Some said certain projects, such as a flyover arm towards Pashan, were yet to be completed and should be expedited.

Pratik Kadam, a frequent commuter, said motorists continued to face difficulties while navigating between Pashan Road, Baner Road and Aundh Road at the junction. “There is an urgent need for clear directional signage to help first-time visitors avoid confusion,” he said.

PMC officials said a proposal was also under way to construct a grade separator connecting Pashan Road to Aundh Road. “Work on this project is expected to begin once the current flyover construction, including the Pashan-bound wing, is completed,” the official added.

CM likely to lay foundation stone of Mundhwa flyover

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during his visit to the city on Sunday is likely to lay the foundation stone of double-deck Mundhwa flyover project, besides inaugurating other PMC projects. The flyover has been proposed to reduce congestion at Mundhwa chowk. A Metro line has been proposed on the top deck of the flyover.