Baramati Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule has brought attention to a minor road subsidence issue along the recently constructed road that connects Chandani Chowk to Mulshi, near the National Defence Academy (NDA).
Sule is urging the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the road. She pointed out that this problem has arisen less than a year after the road's inauguration, posing potential safety risks for commuters.
This comes days after an inspection of Chandani Chowk road, Sule commended NHAI's efforts but stressed the need for additional amenities such as directional signs, rest areas, and sanitation facilities along the route. Since the project's inauguration, there have been calls for more signboards and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure at the junction.
Chandani Chowk and pedestrian safety concerns
The main junction of the Chandani Chowk, a pivotal gateway to West Pune, was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar on August 12. While the flyover has notably eased traffic congestion, concerns over pedestrian safety persist.
The Chandani Chowk junction links Bavdhan, NDA, Pashan, Mulshi Road, Paud Road, and the Mumbai–Bengaluru bypass. This connection to Hinjewadi IT Park via the highway has long been plagued by traffic congestion, prompting plans for area redevelopment.
The Chandani Chowk flyover project encountered delays, initially slated for completion in April. In October of the previous year, an ageing bridge was demolished due to severe traffic congestion. These delays even impacted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's travel between Mumbai and Satara.
Initially scheduled for completion by August 2021, the project faced various challenges including land acquisition, traffic management, and the ongoing pandemic. Subsequently, the completion deadline was pushed to January, then to May, and ultimately, it opened for traffic in August.
