Frustrated by never-ending traffic jams and the delayed inauguration of the Sinhagad Road flyover, Pune residents have taken matters into their own hands. A viral video shows locals using the yet-to-be-opened flyover, highlighting growing public anger over civic delays and daily commuter struggles.
A viral video showed a few bikers on the unopened flyover on Sinhagad Road on Monday.
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.
The traffic congestion on Sinhagad Road lasted for nearly four hours, with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace. The situation was caused by the closure of a section of Rajaram Bridge leading to Kothrud and Karvenagar for repairs, forcing vehicles onto the already burdened Sinhagad Road and Canal Road. Major traffic bottlenecks were witnessed throughout the stretch.
The delay in opening the newly constructed Fun Time Multiplex flyover has 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 is 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.
A strong demand has been made to start the second phase of the Fun Time Multiplex flyover at the earliest. Residents claim that while the physical construction work is complete, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is waiting for a date from the Chief Minister’s office for the formal inauguration. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has hinted at an agitation if the flyover is not opened soon.
PMC issues clarification
Speaking to The Free Press Journal (FPJ), several commuters voiced their frustration.
While speaking with the FPJ, Yuvraj Deshmukh, head of PMC’s Projects Department, said, “The inauguration of the flyover is delayed because finishing work is still pending. Preparations for the inauguration are underway. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be invited to cut the ribbon, but the date has not yet been decided. The remaining work includes erection of the span, girder, and final painting.”
The Fun Time flyover on Sinhagad Road from Vitthalwadi is expected to open within the next seven days. However, if the deadline is not met, an MNS delegation has warned the PMC through a letter that they will open the flyover themselves through an agitation.
Due to the unavailability of the flyover, even on weekends and government holidays, congestion persists throughout the afternoon, and during evening hours, it takes nearly 15 to 20 minutes just to reach Vitthalwadi.
Residents continue to question when the much-delayed flyover will finally be made operational. Recently, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule took to X (formerly Twitter) and urged the PMC to open the flyover without waiting for a formal ceremony. Following this, PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale reviewed the progress of the work.
