Yerwada-Katraj Underground Tunnel Planned For Pune; CM Fadnavis Directs PMRDA To Submit DPR

Mumbai, February 12, 2025: In a major move to enhance Pune’s urban mobility, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to develop an underground tunnel from Yerwada to Katraj using the ‘twin tunnel’ method. He emphasized leveraging advanced technology for the project and called for the proposal to be submitted urgently. The announcement was made during a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House, where discussions also covered urban development plans for Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Major Approvals for Infrastructure Development

During the meeting, several key infrastructure projects received financial approval:

₹636.84 crore allocated for road networks connecting the proposed Purandar airport.

₹203 crore sanctioned for cement roads in Ranjangaon and Hinjewadi industrial zones.

₹1,526 crore designated for the ‘Urban Growth Center’ road network.

CM Fadnavis also instructed officials to ensure seamless connectivity between Pune-Satara Road, Pune-Nagar Road, and Purandar Airport. He emphasized planning 18-meter-wide roads in new urban areas while considering future population growth and infrastructure needs.

Focus on Urban Planning & Public Services

Fadnavis urged urban development authorities to expedite water supply projects, enhance their digital services, and ensure that online facilities are easily accessible to citizens. He also stressed keeping development charges affordable for residents.

Urban development plans should be executed in two phases, he said. The first phase should include essential infrastructure like roads, sewage systems, water supply, electricity, and burial grounds. The second phase should then incorporate additional urban amenities.

Public Transport & Metro Expansion

The Pune Metropolitan Transport Corporation (PMTC) will receive additional CNG buses to expand its fleet. CM Fadnavis highlighted the success of electric buses in providing affordable and air-conditioned transport to Pune residents. The administration has requested 500 additional buses to meet growing demand.

He also instructed authorities to expedite the allocation of land within Pune’s Raj Bhavan premises for metro flyover services.

Regional Development Initiatives

For Nagpur, Fadnavis directed officials to assess the feasibility of the Sondapar office and residential complex and secure land for a flower market in the city. Similarly, the Nashik Metropolitan Development Authority was advised to reserve government land for sewage treatment projects and consider urban expansion plans in line with the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

Additionally, authorities were urged to develop a “Spiritual City” project in Nashik by acquiring suitable land. Meanwhile, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s urban development body was asked to focus on improving industrial and tourism connectivity by developing well-structured road networks.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Urban Development Minister of State Madhuri Misal, along with senior officials from multiple urban development authorities.

The decisions taken in this meeting are expected to significantly boost Pune’s connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and accelerate regional urban development.