Pune’s central areas, long plagued by gridlock, may soon see a transformative change as plans for two underground road projects gain momentum. The proposed tunnels—one stretching from Shaniwarwada to Swargate and another linking Sarasbaug with Shaniwarwada—were the focal point of a high-level meeting held at the Mantralaya on Thursday. The session was chaired by Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale.
Kasba MLA Hemant Rasane revealed that authorities have been directed to draft a detailed project report (DPR) for these tunnel projects. “Our Kasba constituency, with its narrow streets and dense population, makes the construction of flyovers impractical. Underground roads represent the most feasible solution to ease the persistent traffic woes,” Rasane stated. He also mentioned that a comprehensive proposal has already been submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, paving the way for the administration to further develop the project.
Key officials in attendance at the meeting included PWD Secretary Sanjay Dashpute, Sadashiv Salunkhe, Deputy Secretary Pragya Walke, B.S. Telang, Additional Secretary Prabhakar Lahane, Chief Engineer Atul Chavan, and Private Secretary Sudhakar Bhosale. The envisioned underground routes are expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce commuting times, and decrease fuel consumption by offering an efficient alternative to the overburdened surface roads.
