Pune: The long-awaited bridge connecting Sangvi and Bopodi over the Mula River is in its final stages, with the Pune Municipal Corporation aiming to open it for traffic by the end of August.

Load testing has already been completed, and minor tasks such as installing side protective railings, painting, and setting up lighting are expected to be finished within the month.

Once operational, the bridge will link Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, promising to ease traffic congestion and save time and fuel for commuters.

Residents of Old Sangvi, Pimple Gurav, New Sangvi, and Dapodi are particularly eager for the bridge's completion, as it will significantly improve their daily commute.

However, the project faces challenges with the connecting roads. While the bridge itself is ready, the land acquisition necessary for widening the connecting roads has been delayed.

This delay could lead to traffic bottlenecks, especially for heavy vehicles and passenger buses, which require broader roads for smooth passage.

The Municipal Corporation has submitted a proposal for land acquisition to the District Collector and the government. Once the acquisition is finalized, work on the connecting roads will move forward.

Residents have suggested that instead of acquiring land on only one side of the Mula River Road, land should be acquired on both sides. They also believe that, similar to the Samruddhi Highway, the affected individuals should be compensated.

Additionally, they propose raising the height of the roads and surrounding houses to prevent floodwater from reaching the roads.

Resident Domenic Lobo of Sangam Nagar, Old Sangvi, said, "The bridge connecting Sangvi and Bopodi over the Mula River will benefit everyone. It will help ease the traffic burden on other roads leading to Pune."

Pramod Ombhase, Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation, said, "The load testing of the Sangvi-Bopodi bridge over the Mula River has been completed. Minor works like side protective railings, painting, and lighting will be finished by the end of August. The bridge will then be opened for traffic."