Special Correspondent
Pune: Pune’s worsening traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, has led to long queues of vehicles, causing frustration among commuters. To tackle this issue, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced a significant underground tunnel project from Katraj to Yerwada, which is expected to play a crucial role in decongesting city roads.
Speaking at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Amrit Mahotsav event on Saturday, Pawar highlighted the need for better infrastructure to accommodate Pune’s growing traffic. The proposed tunnel will feature three lanes in each direction, with an ongoing assessment to explore the feasibility of an additional metro route alongside it. The project is slated for completion within the next five years.
“As Pune continues to expand, traffic congestion is becoming increasingly severe. An underground route is the best solution, and a detailed survey has already been conducted. Initially, two entry and exit points were planned, but more will be added to enhance accessibility for various parts of the city,” Pawar explained.
He assured that cutting-edge technology will be used for the tunnel’s construction to minimize disruptions for Puneites. The project will be expedited by initiating work at four different locations simultaneously. Moreover, authorities are exploring the possibility of adding a fourth metro corridor parallel to the tunnel.
Political Buzz: Dhas-Munde Meeting Triggers Speculation
Meanwhile, political circles were abuzz after MLA Suresh Dhas visited Minister Dhananjay Munde, despite recently making serious allegations against him. The meeting, held in light of Munde’s health concerns, fueled speculations of political realignments.
When questioned about the encounter, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar responded, “What’s wrong with Dhas meeting Munde? If it was out of human decency, there’s no issue.” Pawar also dismissed rumors of a rift between senior leaders Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, calling such claims baseless.
Massive Investment in Connectivity: The Twin-Tunnel Plan
The Katraj-Kondhwa road improvement project remains unfinished, while plans for a tunnel connecting Yerwada and Katraj are gaining momentum. The proposed 20-kilometer twin tunnel, incorporating advanced technology, is estimated to cost Rs 400 crore per kilometer, bringing the total project cost to approximately Rs 7,500–8,000 crores.
During a recent meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and organized by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), key directives were issued for the tunnel’s development. The project will include two tunnels with three lanes each, along with three to four designated entry and exit points.
The sheer scale and budget of this initiative have sparked discussions among Pune residents, who are eager to see how the project unfolds and whether it will truly provide lasting relief from the city’s traffic woes.
