Pune: Mutha Right Bank Canal Tunnel Work Advances, 5 Km Excavation Completed
Pune, 5th September 2026: Work to convert the Mutha Right Bank Canal between Khadakwasla Dam and Fursungi into an underground tunnel is progressing rapidly, with around five km of tunnelling completed so far, senior Water Resources Department officials said.
Tunnel excavation is currently underway at multiple locations across Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Katraj, Wadachiwadi, Uruli Devachi, Fursungi and Loni Kalbhor. At four locations, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are being used simultaneously for excavation, officials said.
The project, estimated to cost around ₹1,500 crore, received approval from the state government and the Environment Department before work began in October 2025. The proposed underground canal will run for approximately 23 km and is expected to save around 2.5 TMC of water annually while extending irrigation coverage to an additional 3,472 hectares.
The D-shaped underground tunnel is scheduled for completion by March 2029. Once operational, water from Khadakwasla Dam will be conveyed to Fursungi through a closed underground system, replacing the existing open canal.
Canal land may be opened up for civic development
The underground canal project is also expected to make a substantial stretch of land currently occupied by the open canal available for potential redevelopment.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and the state government are examining various options for the planned utilisation of the land.
Green corridor
One proposal under consideration is to develop jogging and cycling tracks, parks and recreational spaces along the existing canal land. The initiative could expand public open spaces and contribute to increasing Pune’s green cover.
Alternative road
Authorities are also examining the possibility of constructing an alternative road along the canal land. A road running parallel to or providing an alternative to Sinhagad Road could potentially help ease traffic congestion in the area.
Town Planning Scheme
A preliminary survey has also been conducted to assess the feasibility of implementing a Town Planning Scheme (TP Scheme) on the land.
If pursued, the stretch could eventually accommodate public amenities, commercial developments, IT-related projects and other urban infrastructure, depending on the final planning decisions of the authorities.
