Three key bridges in Pimpri-Chinchwad, including the Indira Uddanpul and Harris Bridge, are declared unsafe. PMC begins structural audits, repairs, and demolition plans to prevent disasters amid rising public concern.
Pimpri-Chinchwad | June 20, 2025: — Alarming updates have emerged from Pimpri-Chinchwad city where three major bridges — the Indira Gandhi Uddanpul in Pimpri, the Chinchwad Station Railway Flyover, and the British-era Harris Bridge in Dapodi — have been deemed structurally unsafe and in a dangerous condition. The Municipal Corporation has already begun maintenance and repair work, but bigger decisions lie ahead.
Of the three, the Indira Gandhi Uddanpul and Chinchwad Station Flyover, both of which lie on key railway routes, have become technically outdated. Despite earlier repair work, their lifespan has now ended, according to railway officials. The Railway Department has recommended the complete demolition of these bridges to prevent any disaster. This recommendation has raised serious concerns regarding traffic diversion routes — especially for vehicles headed toward Pimpri and Chinchwad, which depend heavily on these connections.
The Indira Gandhi Uddanpul, known as the first flyover in Pimpri-Chinchwad, connects the Pune-Mumbai old highway with Pimpri village. Crores of rupees have already been spent on strengthening it over the past two to three years. Similarly, the Chinchwad Station flyover, built 47 years ago, is also on the verge of collapse. Though a parallel bridge was constructed 15 years ago, it may not be enough to handle diverted traffic if the old bridge is brought down.
Meanwhile, the Harris Bridge, built during the British era, connects Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. A new parallel bridge exists, but following the recent Kundmala bridge tragedy, authorities are now more cautious. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to re-audit the Harris Bridge, and appoint a consultant for constructing a new flyover in its place. The Railways have also issued a formal advisory citing the bridge’s unsafe condition and urging a rebuild for public safety.
Amid the bridge safety concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar responded to criticism about his delayed visit to the Kundmala accident site. “Some people just visited and left. As a minister, we have to handle everything with a calm mind. That’s why we collected all the facts two days later,” he said.
To avoid similar tragedies, the Municipal Corporation has decided to conduct a structural audit of all bridges — not just those on rivers, but also those over canals, drains, and nullahs — to identify weak structures and plan timely repairs or replacements. Heavy vehicles are already being diverted, and the audit work is in full swing at various locations.
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