Pune: Ganesh mandals expressed dissatisfaction with the newly constructed metro footbridge on Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road.

The footbridge, connecting Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan Metro Station, has been built at a height of 17 feet, which the mandals claim could obstruct the smooth passage of their grand immersion processions.

The metro authorities had set the standard height for bridges at 21 feet in other parts of the city, but this newly constructed footbridge falls short by 4 feet.

The Ganesh mandals, which have traditionally used Jangli Maharaj Road to return after the immersion of their idols at Deccan Gymkhana, are concerned that their processional floats and chariots, often featuring intricate displays, will face difficulties passing under the lower bridge.

Historically, the height of these floats and chariots ranged from 25 to 30 feet. However, due to similar height issues with the metro bridge at Khandujibaba Chowk, the mandals had previously been compelled to reduce the size of their displays.

The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bridge viaduct was constructed with a height of 21 feet after protests, but metro officials had made it clear that raising it further was not feasible.

Now, with the new footbridge on Jangli Maharaj Road set at an even lower height of 17 feet, the mandals have once again voiced their concerns. On Tuesday, representatives of several mandals met with Additional Police Commissioner Praveenkumar Patil and submitted a formal letter outlining their grievances.

They fear that this could severely impact their processions, particularly the tall floats and chariots, which may not be able to pass beneath the bridge during the annual Ganesh immersion.

While the metro authorities have yet to respond to these latest concerns, the Ganesh mandals are apprehensive about how the situation will unfold.

In light of these issues, they are calling for immediate action to raise the height of the footbridge, ensuring that the immersion processions can proceed smoothly without obstruction.