Pune: The pedestrian underpass in the Deccan Gymkhana area, popularly known as the Garware underpass, will remain closed to pedestrians for a few days as the civic body has begun its revamp and beautification of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial located at the underpass.The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) standing committee approved funds of Rs 3.24 crore in May 2026 for the project. The work includes improvements to the pedestrian passage, beautification of the memorial, construction of a canopy over it and setting up of a library.The existing underpass is used by a large number of pedestrians and is among the city’s pedestrian underpasses that have consistently remained in good condition with minimal damage. PMC officials said adequate space has been provided in the new design for pedestrians, as well as visitors, to the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj memorial.“The revamp has been planned in a manner that will not obstruct vehicular traffic during the work or after its completion,” a civic official said.The civic administration has, to facilitate the work and minimise inconvenience to commuters, covered the sections of the underpass where work has begun.“Measures are being taken to ensure minimal disruption to vehicular and pedestrian movement,” the official added.Regular visitors to the Deccan Gymkhana area have urged the civic administration to complete the work without delays.Ashish Joshi, who frequently visits the area, said delays or haphazard execution could lead to chaos and urged the administration to closely monitor the project. “The authorities should ensure that all safety measures are in place,” he said.Meanwhile, following recent mishaps at the underpass, including an incident in which a car crashed through the railing of the bridge above it, the civic official said there were no plans to alter the bridge’s alignment. However, safety railings and barricading would be strengthened. Adequate lighting would also be installed to alert motorists to the curves on the bridge, particularly at night.“We will be installing lights as part of the beautification plan. The entire area will be illuminated at night so that drivers have a clear view of the road and the curves,” the official said.
