Pune: Hinjawadi to Sinhagad Road Tunnel Road Among Major Infra Push in Maharashtra Budget 2026
Pune, 6th March 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday presented the state’s Budget for 2026–27 in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, outlining a development roadmap built on four pillars—progressive growth, sustainability, inclusiveness and good governance. The budget includes several infrastructure, transport, water and cultural development projects aimed at strengthening Pune’s position as a major economic and urban growth centre in the state.
Here is an explainer of the key provisions announced for Pune and surrounding regions:
Major Water Project for Baramati–Purandar
To address drinking water and irrigation needs in drought-prone areas of Baramati and Purandar talukas, the state government has proposed the Nira–Karha river linking project. The initiative aims to ensure a more reliable water supply for agriculture as well as domestic use in these regions.
Funds for Cultural and Heritage Projects
The budget proposes financial support for the development of Shivsrushti in Ambegaon in Pune district. Funds will also be allocated for the development of the Rajkot Fort area in Sindhudurg district.
In addition, the government will prepare a conservation and preservation plan for the house and birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj at Dehu, a site of significant cultural and spiritual importance.
Rail Connectivity: Third and Fourth Line Between Pune and Lonavala
To improve suburban and long-distance rail traffic, the government has proposed the construction of a third and fourth railway line between Pune and Lonavala. A provision of ₹5,100 crore has been made for the project, which is expected to enhance rail capacity on the busy corridor connecting Pune with Mumbai.
Major Road Infrastructure Projects
Several large-scale road projects have been proposed to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the Pune region.
The government will construct an elevated corridor between Pune and Shirur. The proposed 53-kilometre corridor will involve an investment of ₹7,514 crore.
Another key project involves the six-laning of the Hadapsar–Yavat road, for which ₹5,262 crore has been allocated. The project is expected to strengthen connectivity towards eastern parts of the district.
Pune to Be Developed as Growth Hub
The budget also outlines a broader economic vision to develop Pune as a growth hub on the lines of Mumbai. As part of this strategy, the state government plans to establish a Media Tech and AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) centre in Mumbai and Pune with an investment of $50 billion. The initiative is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities in the digital and creative industries.
Proposed Underground Road Corridors
To tackle long-term traffic challenges in the city, the government has proposed preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 54-kilometre twin underground road corridor connecting Yerawada to Katraj and Hinjawadi to Sinhagad Road.
Pune Metro Expansion
The budget also includes approvals for several new Pune Metro corridors. The proposed Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi Metro project will be extended from Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and from the Hadapsar bus depot to Saswad Road.
Additionally, approval has been granted for the 11-kilometre Ramwadi to Wagholi Metro corridor, which is expected to strengthen public transport connectivity in the eastern parts of the city.
