Pune: A section of the surface layer on the newly constructed Rakshak Chowk flyover was damaged following recent rain, barely two months after the structure was opened to traffic on May 22, raising concerns over the construction quality.The Rs22.8-crore flyover on Aundh BRTS Road provides signal-free connectivity for commuters travelling from Kiwale, Ravet and nearby areas towards Aundh. Residents alleged that the flyover failed to withstand even its first monsoon, questioning the merit of the work.Subodh Jadhav, a resident of Kiwale, alleged that the damaged stretch reflects both poor execution quality and lapses in civic oversight. “I regularly use this flyover while travelling to Pune for work. It has significantly eased traffic congestion on this route. However, the project has remained controversial — from its steep gradient to now the quality of construction,” he said.Another resident, requesting anonymity, said the problem was not confined to the damaged patch, adding, “Small potholes have developed near the PMPML bus stop off the same stretch. Loose sand and gravel from the damaged stretch have made commuting risky for two-wheeler riders, with small stones scattered across the road.”Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) officials, however, maintained that the damage was not major and that it does not indicate any structural deficiency. “The bituminous concrete (BC) layer at one location was removed. Since the aggregate (khadi) is exposed, the stretch appears more damaged than it actually is. It is only a small pothole and repair work is already under way,” a senior civic official told TOI.The official further said that the damage occurred at the junction where the concrete structure of the PMPML bus stop meets the bituminous road. “There is no issue with the overall quality of the flyover. Since there is a concrete base beneath the joint, the bituminous surface got damaged. Our site engineer has already initiated repairs and the stretch will be restored shortly,” the official added.The flyover had attracted criticism even before and shortly after its inauguration over its steep gradient, an issue raised by the local Member of Parliament (MP) as well as regular commuters. The civic body later conducted a safety audit, which declared the structure secure use. However, a speed limit of 30kmph was imposed on the flyover as a precautionary measure.Meanwhile, PCMC data shows that the civic body has repaired 928 potholes across the city so far, while 516 more reported by residents or identified during inspections are still awaiting repairs.
