PMC Clears Consultant For Rajaram Bridge Widening

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has cleared the appointment of Subduction Zone Consultants Pvt. Ltd. as the project management consultant for the proposed widening of Rajaram Bridge in Karve Nagar.

The bridge, which connects Sinhagad Road with the DP Road, is a crucial link for traffic between Sinhagad Road and Karve Nagar. Currently, the bridge is around 18 metres wide, but under the sanctioned development plan, it needs to be widened to 30 metres.

The widening project aims to ease traffic congestion on the stretch, which is often caused by heavy traffic from Karve Nagar and Sinhagad Road towards the bridge. The PMC Standing Committee approved the appointment, with Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale announcing the decision.

Subduction Zone Consultants quoted 1.08% of the total project cost as its consultancy fee, which was the lowest among the three eligible bidders. The PMC had invited tenders to appoint an expert consultant for the project, receiving five bids, with three bidders qualifying during the technical scrutiny under the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) process.

After the financial bids were opened, Subduction Zone Consultants emerged as the lowest bidder, followed by MAPS Global Civiltech Pvt. Ltd. at 1.55% and Envirosafe Consultants at 1.62%. The consultant will handle pre-tender and post-tender activities, as well as supervise the actual construction work.

The PMC's Chief Engineer (Projects) department has planned the widening to improve traffic movement between Sinhagad Road, Karvenagar, and the DP Road. The civic body has allocated Rs 8.5 crore for the project in its 2026-27 budget, but the project has not yet received financial approval.

Further work will begin after the financial sanction is granted, with the PMC expected to make provisions for the remaining project cost in the next financial year. The widening work can only commence after the financial approval and other tender-related procedures are completed.

The appointment of the project management consultant is the latest step towards taking the project forward, with the PMC working to improve traffic infrastructure in the city. The widening of Rajaram Bridge is expected to have a significant impact on traffic congestion in the area, providing relief to commuters who regularly use the bridge.

In the long run, the project is expected to contribute to the overall development of the city's traffic infrastructure, making it easier for people to move around Pune. With the consultant in place, the PMC can now move forward with the next stages of the project, working towards completing the widening of Rajaram Bridge and improving traffic flow in the city.

The project's success will depend on the timely completion of the widening work, as well as the effective management of traffic during the construction period. The PMC will need to work closely with the consultant and other stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Overall, the widening of Rajaram Bridge is an important step towards improving traffic infrastructure in Pune, and the appointment of the project management consultant is a significant milestone in the project's progress.

The project is expected to bring significant benefits to the city, including reduced traffic congestion and improved traffic flow. With the PMC working to complete the project, commuters can look forward to a smoother and more efficient travel experience in the future.

In conclusion, the appointment of the project management consultant for the Rajaram Bridge widening project is a positive step forward for the city of Pune. The project has the potential to make a significant impact on traffic congestion in the area, and the PMC's efforts to complete the project are expected to bring benefits to commuters and residents alike.

The success of the project will depend on the effective management of the construction process, as well as the timely completion of the widening work. With the consultant in place, the PMC can now move forward with the next stages of the project, working towards completing the widening of Rajaram Bridge and improving traffic flow in the city.