Pune: PMC set to widen Chandni Chowk-Bhugaon road, may include flyover

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is working on a proposal to widen a section of the Chandni Chowk to Bhugaon route that falls under its limits. Officials said the administration may even consider a flyover or a grade separator to improve traffic flow on the route.
At least Rs 15 crore has been set aside for the road-widening project, the officials said, adding that a study was already underway to figure out solutions for congestion in the area. A report of the study is expected to be ready within the next three months, the officials added.
Several bottlenecks have emerged along the busy Chandni Chowk-Bhugaon route, which takes commuters from the city to major schools, colleges and the industrial units of Pirangut. At a few points, especially during peak hours, traffic flow can come to a complete standstill.
"This route has to be widened," said Bavdhan resident Mayur Shinde. "A large number of people travel to Pirangut every day from Bhugaon. There is an urgent need to make the stretch wider," he added.
A PMC official said: "We are working on two major points: widening of the road to 60 metres and the provision for a flyover or a grade separator. Talks have been initiated with landowners along the road to provide the land for widening."
But commuters TOI spoke to said the road has to be widened beyond Bhugaon as well. When asked if PMC was planning road-widening at Bhugaon, one PMC official said there has been no proposal yet to widen the Bhugaon road since the area did not come under PMC limits. "The administration will, however, coordinate with PWD and other authorities," this official said.
Ninad Pore, another resident of the area, said commuters face problems as soon as they exit the Chandni Chowk flyover towards Bhugaon. "The new flyover has improved traffic flow, but jams can be seen as soon as one hits the Bhugaon stretch. The road network here needs an overhaul," Pore said.