Pune: Yerawada–Katraj Underground Tunnel Gets Push as Fadnavis Calls for ‘Paatal Lok’ Model

Yerawada, 7th January 2026: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that widening roads at the surface level in Pune has reached a saturation point, underlining the need for underground transport corridors to address the city’s growing traffic congestion.

Speaking at a public event, he referred to the proposed underground tunnel network, including the long-discussed Yerawada–Katraj corridor, describing it as a “Paatal Lok–style” model essential for improving traffic movement in the land-constrained city.

A senior official of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) said on Tuesday that the pre-feasibility study for the project has been completed. “The report will be presented before the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) once the civic elections conclude and the model code of conduct is withdrawn,” the official said, adding that the chief minister has repeatedly stressed the importance of underground connectivity, including the Yerawada–Katraj tunnel.

According to officials, the chief minister’s office has responded positively to the pre-feasibility report, which was shared with senior state government officials last week.

During his address on Monday, Fadnavis pointed out that roads account for only about 9 per cent of Pune’s total land area, while the number of vehicles on the roads has exceeded their carrying capacity by more than twice. He said underground road infrastructure would offer a sustainable, long-term solution to the city’s traffic woes.

The proposed Yerawada–Katraj twin tunnel is planned as a north–south underground corridor, connecting the eastern parts of Pune to the southern suburbs and passing beneath some of the city’s most traffic-heavy zones. Officials said the project is expected to substantially cut travel time and reduce congestion on major arterial roads by shifting a portion of traffic underground.

PMRDA officials said the broader underground network is expected to link key areas such as Jagtap Dairy, Sinhagad Road, Pashan, Kothrud, Aundh, Sangamwadi and Khadki. The tunnels are also proposed to connect with the city’s inner ring road, improving access to highways, strengthening regional connectivity and easing pressure on surface roads.

Further details on alignment, funding structure, timelines and estimated costs will be discussed after the proposal is taken up by PUMTA, officials said. “Once the proposal receives clearance from PUMTA, it will be submitted to the chief minister and then placed before the state cabinet. The state government is expected to allocate funds after the necessary approvals,” a PMRDA official said.