Pune, Maharashtra – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself embroiled in controversy following its decision to allocate Rs 5.8 crore for the repair of the Hadapsar-Gadital flyover. This expenditure has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the funds could be better utilized given that the flyover is slated for demolition within the next year to facilitate the construction of a new double-decker bridge and a metro line.
The Indian Express has learned that the repair work, approved by the PMC’s standing committee, is considered an “emergency” measure to address the immediate structural needs of the flyover, which handles a significant volume of daily traffic. However, the timing of this significant expenditure has raised concerns about the prudent use of public funds, especially as plans for the larger infrastructure project involving the Pune Metro are already in motion.
According to officials, the sanctioned amount will be channeled towards repairing and replacing expansion joints and bearings, as well as undertaking grouting and other technical works across the entire flyover. This comes after a previous repair effort in 2021-22, which saw approximately Rs 40 lakh spent on expansion joints at a few pillars. The current proposal is based on recommendations from an expert committee.
The Hadapsar-Gadital flyover, originally constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in 2003, was designed to support loads of up to 10-12 tons. However, with the increased plying of heavy vehicles, strengthening the existing structure became a necessity, according to Dinkar Gojare, in charge of the civic Traffic department. He stated that the Pune district collector had directed the PMC to conduct structural audits of all bridges and flyovers in the city, identifying 17 structures in need of repair, with the Hadapsar flyover being one of them.
The broader infrastructure development plan includes the construction of a double-decker bridge along the Pune-Solapur road, which will accommodate vehicular traffic on the first floor and the metro rail on the second. Meetings with Pune Metro officials indicate that work on this ambitious project could commence within one to one-and-a-half years. The development of this double-decker bridge is a joint effort, with the Pune Metro handling a portion and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) managing the remainder.
Opposition leaders, including NCP’s Nilesh Nikam, have vociferously questioned the rationale behind investing substantial funds in repairing a structure that is already marked for demolition. They contend that such expenditure represents a waste of taxpayer money. The situation highlights a recurring theme in urban infrastructure projects where immediate repair needs clash with long-term development plans, creating a financial and logistical dilemma for civic bodies.
This controversy echoes a similar situation from 2020 when the Pune Municipal Corporation granted conditional ‘No-Objection-Certificate’ (NOC) to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) for the demolition of two flyovers near Savitribai Phule Pune University and in front of E-Square. At that time, the PMC had initially cited financial constraints and asked PMRDA to bear the full demolition costs, although a compromise was eventually reached, with PMRDA accepting responsibility for demolition, debris removal, road repairs, and the construction of a new two-tier flyover and metro line, with costs to be shared.
The current proposal for the Hadapsar flyover repair has been approved by the standing committee, with chairperson Shrinath Bhimale emphasizing the precautionary nature of the repairs, given the heavy daily traffic. He noted that the plans for the double-decker bridge and the Metro are still in the planning stages, making the immediate repairs essential to prevent further structural deterioration. The sanctioned funds are earmarked for critical technical works, including the repair and replacement of expansion joints and bearings, and grouting.
The larger context involves ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Pune, including metro line extensions and new bridge constructions aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion. The proposed metro line towards Loni Kalbhor, passing through Hadapsar, is currently under discussion regarding its alignment and the potential demolition of existing flyovers in the area. However, these plans are yet to be finalized, adding a layer of uncertainty to the timeline of future developments.
The decision to repair the Hadapsar-Gadital flyover, despite its impending demolition, underscores the complex challenges faced by urban planning authorities in balancing immediate public safety and traffic management needs with the execution of large-scale, long-term infrastructure projects. The opposition’s critique points to a need for greater transparency and strategic financial planning to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively and efficiently in the city’s development endeavors.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
