New Mutha River Bridge Near Warje to Open Soon, Set to Ease Pune Traffic Chaos

A new Mutha River bridge near Warje in Pune is nearing completion and will open in early 2026, promising significant relief for heavy daily traffic on the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway.

Pune | 10 February 2026 – Daily commuters in Pune may soon breathe a sigh of relief as the new bridge across the Mutha River near Warje is approaching completion and is expected to open to traffic in the coming months. The bridge, located on the busy Mumbai–Bengaluru highway bypass, is designed to ease severe congestion that has troubled motorists for years, particularly during peak morning and evening hours.

The existing bridge at Warje has long been a critical bottleneck on the bypass, which was originally meant to divert through-traffic away from the city. Rapid urban expansion, increasing vehicle ownership, and growing residential zones in areas such as Vadgaon Budruk, Narhe, Ambegaon, and Sinhagad Road have placed immense pressure on this stretch. As a result, commuters frequently experience long queues, slow movement, and increased travel times, often extending delays by 20 to 40 minutes during rush hours.

To address this persistent issue, authorities initiated the construction of a new parallel bridge over the Mutha River with wider lanes and improved load capacity. Officials involved in the project have confirmed that construction work has reached nearly 80 percent completion, with finishing works such as surfacing, safety barriers, and approach road integration currently underway. If progress continues as planned, the bridge is expected to become operational in early 2026.

Once opened, the new bridge is expected to significantly improve traffic flow by redistributing vehicles between the old and new structures. This will allow smoother movement for both local commuters and long-distance vehicles travelling between Mumbai, Pune, Satara, and southern Maharashtra. Traffic experts believe the additional capacity will reduce congestion, improve average travel speed, and minimize sudden braking and merging conflicts that often lead to minor accidents on the current bridge.

The project is also being supported by complementary road improvement works, including the widening of service roads and better connectivity to nearby junctions. Traffic management plans are being prepared to ensure a smooth transition once the bridge opens, with special attention to peak-hour traffic patterns. Authorities aim to avoid temporary congestion during the commissioning phase by implementing phased traffic diversions and signage.

Residents of Warje and surrounding localities have welcomed the development, calling it a long-awaited solution to one of Pune’s most frustrating traffic choke points. For office-goers, students, logistics operators, and emergency services, the improved connectivity is expected to save time, reduce fuel consumption, and lower stress associated with daily commuting.

Beyond commuter convenience, the new bridge is expected to bring broader economic and environmental benefits. Improved traffic flow can help reduce vehicle idling, cut carbon emissions, and enhance the efficiency of goods transport. Urban planners note that infrastructure upgrades of this scale are critical for Pune, which continues to grow as a major hub for information technology, manufacturing, education, and commerce.

As final inspections and finishing touches continue, authorities are urging motorists to remain patient during the remaining construction period. Once operational, the new Mutha River bridge near Warje is expected to mark a significant step forward in easing congestion on Pune’s bypass and improving overall urban mobility.

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