"Pune’s Yerawada–Katraj tunnel project gains momentum as the finalization of the pre-feasibility study paves the way for the next phase of development."

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reiterated the need for underground road connectivity in Pune, saying surface-level road expansion in the city has reached its limits and alternative solutions are required to address mounting traffic congestion.

Speaking at a public function in Pune recently, Fadnavis said roads account for only about nine per cent of the city’s total land area, while vehicular load has exceeded road capacity by more than two times. Referring to the proposed underground tunnel network, including the Yerawada–Katraj corridor, he said such “Paatal Lok–style” connectivity was essential for improving traffic flow in a land-constrained city.

On Tuesday, a senior official of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) said the pre-feasibility report for the long-pending underground road project has been completed and will be placed before the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) once the local body elections conclude and the model code of conduct is lifted. The official added that the chief minister’s office has given a positive response to the pre-feasibility report, which was presented to senior state officials last week.

Officials said the proposed Yerawada–Katraj twin tunnel is envisaged as a north–south underground corridor linking the eastern parts of Pune with its southern suburbs, cutting across some of the city’s most congested stretches. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease pressure on major arterial roads by diverting traffic underground.

The tunnel forms part of a broader proposal to develop a 54-km underground road network aimed at improving north–south connectivity, a key gap in Pune’s current road layout. Planners estimate the cost of the underground network at around ₹32,000 crore, although detailed costing, phasing and timelines will be finalised at a later stage.

According to PMRDA officials, the proposed underground network would connect areas such as Jagtap Dairy, Sinhagad Road, Pashan, Kothrud, Aundh, Sangamwadi and Khadki, and link with the inner ring road to improve access to highways. The network is expected to enhance regional connectivity while reducing congestion on surface roads.

Further details on alignment, funding patterns, execution timelines and costs for the Yerawada–Katraj tunnel will be discussed once the proposal is taken up by PUMTA. After clearance at the authority level, the project will be placed before the chief minister and subsequently the state cabinet for approval and allocation of funds, officials said.