Years after it was started, the Sinhagad Road flyover was finally inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on the occasion of Maharashtra Day on Thursday.
This follows a huge row after residents of Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Nanded, and more created a massive uproar following the huge 6 km traffic deadlock on Monday. The residents had warned that they would start using the flyover if the Pune Municipal Corporation failed to inaugurate it soon.
The opening of the flyover is expected to bring major relief to commuters who have been facing severe traffic congestion in the area for months.
For the uninitiated, Monday morning turned into a nightmare for Punekars travelling on Sinhagad Road, as massive traffic snarls, reminiscent of Mumbai’s worst jams, left commuters stranded for hours. Congestion stretched up to 6 km, resulting in a frustrating and exhausting start to the week for thousands of residents, who found themselves trapped in long queues of honking vehicles.
While in the evening hours on Monday, frustrated by never-ending traffic jams and the delayed inauguration of the Sinhagad Road flyover, Pune residents had taken matters into their own hands. A viral video showed locals using the yet-to-be-opened flyover, highlighting growing public anger over civic delays and daily commuter struggles.
Delay in opening the newly constructed Fun Time Multiplex flyover
The delay in opening the newly constructed Fun Time Multiplex flyover had intensified public anger. Although the construction of the flyover was completed by the end of March, the installation of streetlights, signage, and final painting works was still underway. Residents and commuters have alleged that political factors are delaying the flyover’s inauguration, despite the pressing traffic crisis. Many have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction over the delayed opening.
Due to the unavailability of the flyover, even on weekends and government holidays, congestion persisted throughout the afternoon, and during evening hours, it takes nearly 15 to 20 minutes just to reach Vitthalwadi.
