Pune Traffic Update: Baba Bhide Bridge Reopens For Daytime Traffic To Ease Congestion In Deccan Gymkhana | Details

Pune Traffic Update: The Baba Bhide Bridge in the Deccan Gymkhana area has been reopened for traffic movement during the daytime after repeated appeals from commuters and civic groups. The decision comes following severe traffic jams in nearby areas such as Lakdi Pul and JM Road, which worsened after the bridge was closed for ongoing Metro construction work.

The bridge, a key connector in the heart of Pune, was temporarily opened during the Diwali festival in October, allowing vehicles to pass for a few days. However, it was soon closed again, upsetting regular commuters. Earlier, in August 2025, the bridge had also been opened briefly to manage the Ganeshotsav traffic rush before being shut once more in early September for Metro-related work.

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Temporary Openings During Festivals Drew Criticism

Many residents expressed frustration over the inconsistent decisions by authorities. Members of the city-based group Sajag Nagrik Manch had recently written to the traffic police and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), urging them to permit traffic movement on the bridge at least during daytime hours to reduce congestion in the area.

Bridge To Stay Open Till November 15

A Times of India report cited a senior Maha Metro official, who requested anonymity, stating that the bridge will remain open for vehicles round-the-clock till November 15. “After that, there is a proposal to restrict movement between 10 pm and 6 am to facilitate Metro construction,” the official said, adding that discussions between Maha Metro, PMC and traffic police are underway to finalise the plan.

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Currently, Maha Metro is constructing a cable-stayed bridge connecting Deccan Gymkhana Metro station to Narayan Peth to improve accessibility. About 50 per cent of the work is complete and the remaining portion is expected to be finished by the end of December. A similar bridge has already been completed near the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden Metro station.

With the Bhide Bridge partially closed, most commuters have been forced to take alternate routes through Lakdi Pul and the Z-Bridge, increasing traffic on JM Road.