Pune: Underground Road from Shaniwarwada to Swargate – Nitin Gadkari Responds Positively
Pune, 23rd June 2025: In a significant move to ease chronic traffic congestion in Pune’s central areas, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has given a positive response to the proposed four-lane underground road project connecting Shaniwarwada to Swargate.
The ambitious 2.5-km tunnel project is aimed at providing a long-term solution to the frequent bottlenecks on key city arteries like Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road, which witness the movement of lakhs of vehicles every day.
During his recent visit to Pune, Gadkari personally reviewed the project site near Shaniwarwada’s main gate and Kaka Saheb Gadgil statue. Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil and MLA Hemant Rasane accompanied him during the inspection.
MLA Rasane submitted an official request to the Union Minister, urging the Centre to provide funding support for the initiative. In response, Gadkari assured that a special meeting with officials from relevant departments will be convened soon to expedite planning and coordination.
Acting on instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Public Works Department has already initiated work on a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is now in its final stages and expected to be completed within the next 15 days. A funding proposal has also been sent to the State Finance Department.
“An underground road in this central part of Pune is essential for smooth traffic movement. With support from both the state and central governments, I am confident the project will take shape soon. This has been a long-standing dream of mine, and I am committed to making it a reality,” said Rasane.
Special Demand for Restoration of Shaniwarwada
Rasane also requested special central government funding for the preservation and beautification of Shaniwarwada, a symbol of Maratha heritage and the legacy of Peshwa Bajirao.
