In a fresh push to tackle persistent traffic bottlenecks along Sinhagad Road, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is preparing to construct a new bridge parallel to the existing Rajaram Bridge.
The civic body has initiated steps to appoint a consultant who will finalise the technical design and assess the project's feasibility.
The Rajaram Bridge currently functions as a crucial two-way connector between Sinhagad Road and Karvenagar DP Road, carrying a heavy volume of daily traffic.
Officials said the upcoming feasibility report will outline the project's estimated cost, structural design, and alignment. Early indications suggest that the proposed bridge could be built on the Swargate-facing side of the existing structure.
The proposal comes after a series of smaller upgrades in the area. The PMC recently widened entry and exit points on both ends of the bridge to improve turning movements and reduce congestion.
Structural reinforcement work on the existing bridge has also been completed in recent months.
Despite these measures, commuters say traffic flow remains uneven. Vishal Kulkarni, a resident of Hingne, noted that while new flyovers have eased congestion along parts of Sinhagad Road, key choke points persist.
"Rajaram Bridge is a major friction point. The administration needs to focus on improving entry and exit points at both ends to ensure a smooth flow," he said.
Another commuter, Samir Jagatap, highlighted the lack of alternate routes in the area. "The administration must stick to strict deadlines to operationalise these projects," he urged, referring to the under-construction Suncity-Karvenagar bridge.
PMC officials confirmed that the Suncity-Karvenagar river bridge is nearing completion and is expected to open by June. Together, these projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity and easing pressure on one of Pune's busiest corridors.