Special Correspondent
Pune: In a major step to improve connectivity in Pune, a new underground tunnel route between Yerwada and Katraj has been proposed. The project, which will feature a ‘twin tunnel’ system using advanced technology, was announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House. The meeting included discussions with representatives from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) as well as officials from the Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Metropolitan Region Development Authorities.
The proposed underground route, spanning 20 kilometers, is expected to cost ₹7,500 crore. The tunnels will each have three lanes, with separate entry and exit points at three or four locations along the tunnel. This initiative is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve travel efficiency between these key areas of Pune.
Additionally, CM Fadnavis announced the allocation of funds for several other infrastructure projects in the region. A ₹636.84 crore budget has been approved for the Purandar airport road network, and ₹203 crore has been set aside for the development of cement roads in the Ranjangaon and Hinjewadi industrial zones. Furthermore, ₹1,526 crore has been earmarked for the creation of road networks in the ‘Urban Growth Center.’
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for better connectivity between the city’s bypass roads, as well as the Pune-Satara and Pune-Nagar highways, and the proposed Purandar airport. He instructed that roads in newly developing areas should be planned to be 18 meters wide to accommodate future population growth, and that the development authority expedite the completion of drinking water supply projects. A new website offering enhanced online services was also recommended, with an emphasis on keeping development fees affordable for citizens.
To ensure systematic progress, CM Fadnavis proposed that the infrastructure development be carried out in two phases. The first phase will focus on essential services such as roads, drainage systems, water and power supply, and burial/cremation grounds, while the second phase will address additional amenities.
The meeting was attended by several prominent officials, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and State Minister of Urban Development Madhuri Misal, among others.
