PMC Proposes Parallel Bridge to Rajaram Bridge to Ease Sinhagad Road Congestion
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed the construction of a new bridge parallel to the existing Rajaram Bridge to ease traffic congestion on Sinhagad Road, with the plan currently under feasibility assessment and consultant appointment, according to developments reported earlier this week.
The proposed bridge is likely to be developed on the Swargate-facing side of the existing structure and is intended to improve connectivity between Sinhagad Road and Karvenagar DP Road. Officials indicated that a detailed project report will determine the final design, alignment, and cost estimates before execution is taken forward.
Rajaram Bridge serves as a critical link in the corridor, carrying two-way traffic between densely populated residential zones and key arterial routes. However, limited alternative crossings and increasing vehicular volumes have resulted in persistent congestion at the location, particularly during peak hours.
The proposal follows a series of incremental interventions undertaken by the civic body to improve traffic flow in the area. In recent months, PMC has widened approach roads at both ends of the existing bridge and carried out structural strengthening works to support current traffic loads. Despite these measures, bottlenecks have continued to affect mobility along the corridor.
Two flyovers commissioned along Sinhagad Road in recent years have improved traffic movement on certain stretches, but officials and local residents have noted that congestion remains concentrated around the Rajaram Bridge due to constrained entry and exit points and the absence of parallel routes.
The proposed bridge is part of a broader set of infrastructure projects aimed at decongesting the Sinhagad Road corridor. A separate river bridge connecting Suncity to Karvenagar is nearing completion and is expected to become operational in the coming months, which is likely to provide an alternative route for commuters.
In addition, a metro line has been sanctioned along Sinhagad Road, and further road development projects, including improvements along the Shivane–Kharadi corridor, are under consideration to support long-term traffic management.
Urban planners have highlighted that the corridor’s traffic challenges stem from rapid residential growth and increased vehicle ownership, which have outpaced existing infrastructure capacity. The concentration of movement between residential clusters and commercial areas has further intensified pressure on key junctions and crossings.
The proposed parallel bridge is expected to distribute traffic more evenly across the network and reduce load on the existing structure, particularly during peak commuting periods. However, final timelines for implementation will depend on completion of feasibility studies, approvals, and funding allocation.
The development reflects a continued focus by civic authorities on capacity augmentation in Pune’s high-growth corridors, where incremental infrastructure upgrades are being complemented by new projects to address structural bottlenecks in urban mobility networks.
