New Tunnel, Metro Lines, Ring Roads: Maharashtra’s Rs 2,000 Cr Push for Pune
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 1st May 2025: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced a ₹2,000 crore provision over the next five years to resolve Pune’s growing transportation woes. This includes plans for a new tunnel from Yerwada, the promotion of electric vehicles, and the continuation of the Mula-Mutha river rejuvenation project. “We are also working to ensure senior citizens feel safer with improved urban facilities,” he added.
He was speaking during the inauguration of the flyover on Sinhgad Road.
The minister highlighted that the government is addressing the region’s water needs by channeling supply from Mulshi Dam for Pune and from Thokarwadi Dam for Pimpri-Chinchwad. He acknowledged that development often leads to some discontent, especially during land acquisition, but stressed that such steps are essential for progress.
To tackle urban unemployment, Pawar also revealed a ₹350 crore skill development project in Baner, launched in collaboration with Tata Trusts and PMC. “Similar training centers will be launched in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Beed, following success in Ratnagiri and Gadchiroli,” he said.
Focus on Metro Expansion and Ring Road Projects
Union Minister Mohol emphasized Pune’s rapid urban transformation, stating that the metro network now spans over 32 kilometers. The state government has approved a new metro line from Khadakwasla to Kharadi, and DPRs for the Vanaz–Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi–Wagholi lines are complete. Final clearances from the Centre are expected soon.
To reduce traffic congestion, the cabinet has approved a 6-lane elevated road from Hadapsar to Yavat and a 4-lane elevated road from Vadgaon Sheri to Shikrapur. Additionally, two outer ring roads are being constructed—one each by the MSRDC and PMRDA.
Public transport is also set for a major boost, with 1,500 new buses, including electric and CNG variants, to be added to the PMPML fleet.
