PMRDA denies structural flaw on Baner ramp of university flyover after corporator’s red flag

Pune:The PMRDA on Tuesday ruled out any structural issue on the Baner ramp of the integrated double-decker flyover at the Pune University Chowk, after PMC corporator Sunny Vinayak Nimhan sought its immediate inspection expressing concern over a possible defect in a section of the structure.An official of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) toldTOI, "There is no structural defect in the Baner ramp. What is visible in the photo is related to the outer crash barrier finishing and painting work. It does not affect the structural integrity of the flyover."Another PMRDA official said a letter had been sent to the concessionaire, PITCMRL, to rectify it and finish all other external works. It has also been told to install direction boards for commuters within eight days.The PMRDA official said the concessionaire had conducted all necessary checks before opening the ramp to traffic. "The structure has undergone complete technical inspections before inauguration and is perfectly safe for vehicular movement," he said, adding that minor finishing work on the crash barrier would be addressed.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) corporator Nimhan had stated In his letter to the PMRDA commissioner that a photograph circulating on social media appeared to show an improperly sealed structural joint on the ramp, triggering questions about the quality of construction. He said the flyover used a prestressed segmental construction system, where post-tensioning cables bear the main structural load."While external defects may not cause immediate collapse, defects in joints can affect the long-term durability, safety and lifespan of the structure," he said, noting that thousands of vehicles would use the ramp dailyHe sought an independent technical structural audit of the location and suggested a third-party inspection.