Trial Run Begins as Satara–Kolhapur Side of Karad Flyover Opens to Light Vehicles.

One side of the 3.5-km six-lane flyover on the Pune–Bengaluru highway (NH48) at Karad was opened recently for a controlled trial run of light vehicles, marking a significant milestone in easing a long-standing traffic bottleneck on the busy stretch.

Vehicles travelling from Satara towards Kolhapur were permitted on the elevated corridor during the trial phase, which is aimed at assessing safety standards, structural resilience and overall commuter experience. The trial run was inaugurated in the presence of Public Works Department Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, MP Udayanraje Bhosale and local MLAs.

According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the opposite carriageway from Kolhapur to Satara is expected to be opened in the coming days. After addressing minor defects and completing pending works, the entire nearly 5-km stretch — including the elevated section — is scheduled to be fully operational by July 1.

During the trial period, a speed limit of 40 kmph has been imposed, and the flyover will remain open only during daytime hours, closing at 6 pm.

Early commuters reported smoother travel but pointed out incomplete finishing works. “The travel time has certainly reduced. The bridge addresses the traffic bottleneck at Karad–Malkapur crossings by bypassing it. However, some works, especially railings and dividers, are incomplete. Since the bridge is long, there should be personnel to prevent rash driving,” said Sujeet Mane, a resident of Ishwarpur in Sangli.

Local residents also raised concerns over the early opening, citing incomplete drainage infrastructure and potential waterlogging issues during monsoon rains.

NHAI officials defended the move, stating that the trial run is necessary before full commissioning. “Now one side is opened for the test run of light vehicles. It will operate only during daytime hours for eight days. Travel time will be reduced, and commuters will get uninterrupted movement. The overall bridge work is complete; minor works will be finished alongside,” said NHAI project director Sanjay Kadam. He added that the entire six-lane stretch is expected to be opened for general traffic by July 1.

The flyover is part of the Satara–Kagal six-laning project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and has been built at a cost of around ₹500 crore. It replaces an earlier four-lane bridge that was demolished in the initial phase of the project.

During construction, commuters faced severe congestion, with travel delays of up to two hours due to diversions and narrow carriageways. The new elevated corridor, built using precast segments supported by 92 pillars, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and eliminate chronic choke points once fully operational.