The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced that one lane of the Swatantryaveer V. D. Savarkar flyover at Paud Phata will remain closed for repair work from 27 October to 26 November 2025.

According to the civic body, the lane heading from Nal Stop towards Kothrud will be shut for essential maintenance. The remaining lane will stay open for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles (LMVs) to ensure local traffic movement continues smoothly.

PMC’s Chief Engineer (Projects), Dinkar Gojare, has urged citizens to use alternate routes for heavy vehicles travelling from Nal Stop to Kothrud and apologised for the inconvenience caused during the repair period.

Meanwhile, the sudden closure of the Bhide Bridge on Sunday has sparked public outrage. The bridge, a vital connector in central Pune, was briefly reopened during Diwali but was abruptly closed again soon after, reportedly due to ongoing Metro construction work.

Activist Vivek Velankar criticised the decision, calling it “a reflection of poor planning and disregard for citizens’ convenience.” He pointed out that the bridge was first closed on 21 April for 45 days to facilitate Metro-related work, which was meant to finish by mid-June. However, after multiple extensions—first to 15 August and later to 10 October—the work remains incomplete.

During the Ganesh festival, the bridge was temporarily reopened but closed again on 9 September for another month. While it was accessible between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. during Diwali, the post-festival shutdown has angered residents and commuters alike.

Locals have accused PMC and the Pune Traffic Police of allowing Metro authorities to act “as if the bridge belongs solely to them.”

“The work that was supposed to finish in 45 days has stretched to 175 days, without explanation. Citizens are already facing hardships from dug-up roads and potholes, and now this arbitrary closure worsens their problems,” said Pratap Vagh, a resident of Sadashiv Peth.

He also questioned the decision to construct another pedestrian bridge near Bhide Pul when an existing one nearby remains underutilised.

“Instead of completing pending work efficiently, authorities are wasting public funds on unnecessary projects,” Velankar added, urging PMC to reopen Bhide Bridge for daytime traffic and limit Metro construction to night hours.

Citizens have demanded greater accountability from the Metro authorities and better communication from PMC regarding project timelines. Both Pune Metro and PMC are yet to issue an official clarification on how long the Bhide Bridge will remain closed.