Pune’s Traffic Woes May End with Underground Tunnels, Says PMRDA

Pune, 3rd March 2025: Commuters struggling with the long and congested commute between Katraj and Yerawada may soon have a faster alternative, as the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has proposed two underground tunnels to significantly reduce travel time. If implemented, the tunnels could cut the current one-hour journey by 30 minutes, providing much-needed relief to motorists navigating one of Pune’s busiest corridors.

PMRDA officials said the proposed tunnels would offer multiple entry and exit points connecting key arterial roads such as Nagar Road, Solapur Road, Satara Road, Old Mumbai Highway, and Mulshi Road. The tunnels are designed to ease congestion by providing a seamless route between the northern and southern parts of the city.

Feasibility Study to Begin Soon
PMRDA’s chief engineer, Ashok Bhalkar, confirmed that a consultant would be appointed within the next two weeks to conduct a feasibility study for the ₹7,500-crore project, which recently received in-principle approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“Once the consultant is onboard, a detailed feasibility report should be ready in three to four months. This report will then be submitted to the state government for approval,” Bhalkar stated. If approved, the project is expected to be completed within four years.

Funding and Implementation Plans
According to PMRDA officials, the next step would involve finalizing the funding model. “The project could be financed through contributions from the state government, municipal corporations, and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC),” an official said.
The proposed tunnels follow the model of Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project, where underground tunnels were constructed to avoid traffic congestion.

“Each tunnel is expected to have three lanes, significantly improving traffic flow and reducing travel time,” an official explained. “Beyond just urban mobility, the project could revolutionize inter-city travel. While an elevated corridor was also considered, the CM favored the underground tunnel option.”

Key Aspects of the Feasibility Study
The feasibility study will assess several crucial factors, including:
Geological and environmental impact
Traffic patterns and projected usage
Economic feasibility and funding models
Potential challenges in land acquisition and relocation of utilities
Construction methods and their effect on existing infrastructure
The report will also recommend strategies to minimize disruption to local communities during construction.

With Pune’s rapid urbanization, the underground tunnel project could provide a long-term solution to traffic woes, making daily commutes smoother and more efficient.