Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the much-awaited Sangvi-Bopodi Bridge over the Mula River on Wednesday (October 9), providing a new link between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The bridge is expected to ease the traffic load on other roads and reduce travel time between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, benefiting commuters by saving both time and fuel.
In attendance at the ceremony were prominent officials and local leaders, including MLA Ashwini Jagtap, MLA Siddharth Shirole, Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, District Collector Suhas Divase, BJP City President Shankar Jagtap, and former Mayor Usha Dhore.
The bridge, which spans 760 meters with a width of 18 meters, has added to the importance of Old Sangvi, known as the gateway to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Despite the scenic location and completion of the bridge’s construction, its opening had been delayed, leading senior citizens to conduct a symbolic inauguration earlier this year to draw attention to the issue.
The project, completed jointly by Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, cost ₹40.80 crore. Though the original timeline for completion was two years, delays in land acquisition pushed the project back several months, with the work ultimately concluding in 2024.
The bridge will significantly improve connectivity between the two cities, reducing congestion on other major roads and providing new commuting routes via Shitole Nagar, Mamta Nagar, and Priyadarshini Nagar, leading towards Dapodi and Pimple Gurav.
Prashant Shitole (Former Corporator, Old Sangvi): "The Shitole family donated land for this bridge, and we worked to ensure high-quality construction with an emphasis on aesthetics. We pursued this project with the government to ensure its success."
Ravindra Nimbalkar (President, Akhil Sangvi Senior Citizens Association): "Apart from improving traffic flow, this bridge has added to the scenic beauty of Sangvi, allowing nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and senior citizens to enjoy walks in a tranquil environment."