Pune: PMC Plans 31-km Underground Tunnel Network Connecting Bhosari, Undri, Bhugaon and Erandwane
Pune, 13th November 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved the appointment of an expert consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for two proposed underground tunnel corridors spanning a combined 31 km. The project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, is being planned as part of a wider regional transport network.
The proposed network comprises a 23-km underground corridor connecting Bhosari in the north to Undri in the south, and an eight-km tunnel between Bhugaon and Erandwane via DP Road. Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has approved the appointment of a consultant to prepare the DPR for these corridors.
The Bhosari-Undri corridor is also proposed to be extended through Bopdev Ghat to the proposed Purandar International Airport. MahaMetro is expected to work on this extension, which could provide direct underground connectivity between the northern parts of the Pune metropolitan region and the upcoming airport.
‘Patal Lok’ Project to Ease Traffic Congestion
The underground tunnel initiative, popularly referred to as the ‘Patal Lok’ project, was conceptualised by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address traffic congestion in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
An underground tunnel between Yerawada and Katraj was initially proposed. However, the plan was subsequently found to be unviable. The PMC has also floated a separate tender to assess the feasibility of an underground corridor between Swargate and Shaniwar Wada.
Regional Approach to Traffic Planning
The civic administration has emphasised the need for an integrated regional approach to traffic management rather than restricting infrastructure planning to Pune city limits.
Accordingly, the PMC, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), in consultation with the traffic police, have initiated the process of planning the two proposed corridors.
During the preliminary assessment, the PMC and traffic police examined TomTom’s origin-destination data, Google traffic information, real-time traffic data, Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) data and existing travel patterns.
Traffic congestion on major roads, gaps in road connectivity and the availability of alternative routes were also considered while identifying the proposed alignments.
Tunnels to Integrate with Major Infrastructure Projects
According to the PMC’s preliminary report, the proposed tunnel alignments have been planned in coordination with the High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR), the Inner Ring Road and the Outer Ring Road.
The objective is to create an integrated transport network in which underground road corridors complement existing and proposed Metro services and major road infrastructure projects.
The 23-km Bhosari-Undri corridor is expected to strengthen north-south connectivity between Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Its proposed extension through Bopdev Ghat could provide a direct route towards the Purandar airport.
Together, the two proposed corridors would form a 31-km underground road network, subject to the findings of the DPR and subsequent approvals.
