3 min readUpdated: Feb 20, 2026 02:38 PM IST
Following a recent accident linked to metro construction in Mumbai, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) said Friday it will not open the Baner-side arm of the Ganeshkhind Road flyover yet, and will first seek safety clearance from the construction agency before allowing the public to use it.
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“The work of the flyover on Ganeshkhind road towards Baner is almost complete, but we want safety certification from the construction company before opening it to the public. This is being done on the backdrop of the recent accident due to metro work in Mumbai,” said Yogesh Mhase, Commissioner, PMRDA.
“I can’t be sure when the construction company will give the safety certificate,” said Mhase.
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Siddharth Shirole insisted that PMRDA conduct a comprehensive safety and structural audit of the ongoing multi-level university flyover and the Shivajinagar-Hinjewadi metro construction works.
“I am formally bringing to your attention serious safety concerns regarding the ongoing flyover and metro construction works within and around the Shivajinagar region and adjoining corridors,” the Shivajinagar MLA said in a letter to PMRDA.
Shirole said that public safety remains paramount at every stage of execution. “I have received feedback from citizens and commuters highlighting potential risks arising from construction activities, including unsecured materials, exposed structural elements, overhead comments, debris accumulation, and other construction-related vulnerabilities that may pose danger to vehicles and pedestrians,” he said.
The BJP legislator called for a comprehensive structural and on-site safety audit of all ongoing flyover projects. He asked that the audit focus on identifying accident-prone stretches and design flaws. It should also verify structural stability and ensure compliance with approved engineering standards.
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In addition, he sought an inspection of temporary construction arrangements, including scaffolding, barricades, overhead fixtures, and material storage. He urged authorities to immediately fix any unsafe conditions that could lead to falling debris, vehicle damage, or risks to human life.
Meanwhile, a PMRDA officer said construction debris, loose materials, and hazardous obstructions are being cleared, and safety signage and protective measures are being put in place.
Last week, a person was killed, and two others sustained injuries when the concrete parapet wall segment of Metro Line 4 in Mumbai fell onto an auto-rickshaw.
The flyover on Ganeshkhind Road is being constructed by PMRDA, and the project includes a double-decker bridge with the first level as a flyover for vehicular traffic and the top level as a metro route. The flyover on Ganeshkhind Road has been proposed to streamline traffic between Pashan Road, Baner Road, Aundh and Shivajinagar.
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It has been over six months since one arm of the 1.7-km Ganeshkhind flyover from Aundh to Shivajinagarwas opened to the public. The stretch was inaugurated after citizens criticised delays in completing the project.
PMRDA had planned to open two more arms in December last year: one from Baner to Shivajinagar, and another from Shivajinagar to Pashan and Baner.
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