PUNE, 5 NOV. The uncertainty surrounding the 'on-again, off-again' status of Pune's Baba Bhide Bridge has intensified for commuters.

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) is currently constructing an elevated pedestrian bridge over the Bhide Bridge, which is a crucial connector between Deccan Gymkhana and the Peth areas of the city. The first phase of this elevated pedestrian bridge work has now been completed. Following the completion of the first phase, MahaMetro has decided to open the Baba Bhide Bridge for vehicular traffic until November 15.

Chandrasekhar Tambwekar, Additional General Manager and Public Relations Officer of MahaMetro, stated, "The first phase of the pedestrian bridge work is complete. The Bhide Bridge will remain open for traffic until November 15. However, a decision regarding closing the bridge again for the construction of the second phase will be taken later."

The Bhide Bridge is vital for connecting the eastern and western parts of the city. Its closure has caused severe traffic congestion on alternative, narrow routes like Deccan, Kumthekar Road, and Kelkar Road. The bridge was recently opened temporarily for the Diwali festival and then closed again to speed up the construction work, following instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Since the bridge is set to be closed again after November 15 for the next phase of work, residents of areas like Narayan Peth, Shaniwar Peth, and the Deccan vicinity are anticipating a renewal of traffic woes and confusion. The public is appealing for the bridge to be kept open permanently.

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