Vitthalwadi-Funtime Flyover Inaugurated by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar: Pune Set for Massive Infrastructure Boost

Pune, May 1 – In a significant step toward easing traffic congestion on Sinhagad Road and improving connectivity in the fast-growing western suburbs of Pune, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the second phase of the Vitthalwadi Kaman to Funtime Theater flyover. This 2.2-kilometer stretch is part of a three-phase flyover project aimed at decongesting the city’s western corridor and enhancing urban mobility.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol, MP Medha Kulkarni, MLA Hemant Rasane, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, and several other senior civic officials and dignitaries.

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Major Relief for Sinhagad Road Commuters

This newly inaugurated flyover, stretching from Vitthalwadi Kaman to Funtime Theater, is expected to provide major relief to daily commuters from Vadgaon, Dhayari, Narhe, Nanded, and Khadakwasla. It bypasses five major traffic choke points—Inamdar Chowk, Hinjewadi Chowk, Santosh Hall Chowk, Datta Hotel Chowk, and Goyegav—which will significantly reduce travel time by up to 30 minutes for around 1.5 lakh daily commuters.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar highlighted that the flyover is “not just a traffic solution but a key milestone in the city’s transformation.” He added that the Maharashtra government is committed to providing increased funding for the holistic development of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the entire Pune Metropolitan Region.

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Pune’s Infrastructure Revolution is Underway

Addressing the gathering, Pawar emphasized the state’s focus on large-scale urban development. “In the next five years, Maharashtra will witness record infrastructure growth, and Pune will lead the way,” he said.

He announced state support for key projects like:

• Water supply improvement by channeling water from Mulshi Dam to Pune and Thokarwadi Dam to Pimpri-Chinchwad.
• Expansion of Metro lines including the new Khadakwasla to Kharadi route.
• Boosting e-vehicles and green transport with a ₹2,000 crore fund allocation.
• Enhanced safety measures and elder-friendly infrastructure in the city.
• A massive skill development project with Tata Trusts and PMC worth ₹350 crore at Baner to train local youth for employment.

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Long-Term Vision: New Airport, Outer Ring Road, and More

Ajit Pawar acknowledged that while land acquisition and rehabilitation may cause some public concern, these are essential steps toward sustainable development. “Without land and relocation, there can be no progress,” he asserted, referring to the new Pune airport project and multiple highway upgrades.

He also confirmed recent cabinet approvals for:

• A six-lane underground and four-lane elevated highway from Hadapsar to Yavat.
• A major decongestion drive on Wagholi to Shikrapur via Vadgaon Sheri.
• Two outer ring roads, to be executed by MSRDC and PMRDA, aimed at easing Pune’s increasing traffic load.

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Environmental Focus and Public Safety at Core

The Deputy CM stressed on river rejuvenation, clean air initiatives, and the promotion of eco-friendly transport. “Urban growth must be balanced with environmental responsibility,” he said, highlighting that upcoming city projects aim to make Pune more livable, breathable, and resilient.

He also addressed the Jammu & Kashmir terror incident, stating that the government is taking national security seriously and working closely with central agencies to bolster protective measures.

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The Largest Flyover in Pune: A Technical Marvel

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale informed that the flyover’s work order was issued in September 2021, and despite challenges during the COVID-19 period, the project was executed swiftly.

The three-phase flyover project on Sinhagad Road is being built at a cost of ₹118.37 crore:

• Phase 1: A 520-meter one-way flyover near Rajaram Bridge, opened in August 2024.
• Phase 2: The current 2.2 km flyover from Vitthalwadi to Funtime Theater.
• Phase 3: A 1.5 km flyover from Indian Hume Gate (Goyal Ganga Chowk) to Inamdar Chowk, expected to be completed by June 15, 2025.

Constructed using prestressed box girder technology, the flyover road is 7.3 meters wide with 60 support pillars.

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“Pune is India’s Most Preferred City” – Muralidhar Mohol

Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol, who also spoke at the event, praised citizens for their patience and civic participation. “This flyover has been a long-pending demand of Sinhagad Road residents, and today it stands as the longest flyover in Pune,” he said.

He assured that new metro extensions, including Vanaz to Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi to Wagholi, would soon get central government approval. He also revealed that 1,500 new e-buses and CNG buses will be added to the PMPML fleet, significantly improving public transport across the city.

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Pune’s Rapid Urban Transformation

The flyover inauguration marks yet another milestone in Pune’s evolving urban landscape. With population and urbanization on the rise, proactive planning, robust investment, and inter-agency collaboration are driving Pune’s emergence as one of India’s safest, most liveable, and future-ready cities.

As infrastructure improves, citizens can expect smoother commutes, cleaner air, safer roads, and increased employment opportunities—setting Pune firmly on the path to becoming a world-class metro city.