Pune: Work Begins On ₹2,190-Crore Khadakwasla–Phursungi Tunnel To Boost Water Supply
Pune: One Kilometre Of Khadakwasla–Phursungi Water Tunnel Completed; Work Underway At Four Points
Pune, November 1, 2025: The long-awaited Khadakwasla–Phursungi tunnel project, aimed at improving Pune’s water supply and irrigation efficiency, has finally commenced—18 months after receiving clearance from the state technical advisory committee. Officials confirmed that the ₹2,190-crore project will channel water more efficiently from the Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi, reducing losses and contamination.
The D-shaped tunnel, measuring 7.8 metres in width and 3.9 metres in height, is designed to transport 1,510 cusecs of water by gravity across a 28 km stretch. Once completed, it is expected to save around 2.18 TMC of water annually and restore irrigation to about 3,471 hectares of land. The project also aims to reduce leakage, prevent pollution from open canals, and ensure a steady water supply to Pune and its surrounding regions.
Hanumant Gunale, Executive Director of the Krishna Khore Development Corporation, confirmed that the environment department has granted a no-objection certificate, allowing construction to begin.
The Union government approved the project on August 11, and the tender was awarded to Mega Engineering Company, said Yogesh Sawant, Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Division.
Currently, work is underway at Wadachi Wadi and Uruli Devachi to build approach roads to the tunnel alignment (known as adits). A labour camp and quality control test laboratory have been established at the site. Controlled blasting permissions have been obtained, and key infrastructure—including a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant, crusher unit, and quality control wing—has been set up to ensure safety and engineering standards.
The 6.3-metre diameter tunnel will feature cement-concrete lining, rock bolts, and shotcrete for added durability. Land for the project has been leased from local farmers, and the tunnel will replace a damaged section of the Mutha Right Canal, which has been impacted by urban expansion and encroachments.
The project employs workers, engineers, and technicians from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, with excavation being carried out using the drill-and-blast method. The state water resources department is monitoring daily progress, and officials report that work is proceeding as per schedule.
After a six-month delay caused by pending environmental clearance, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and its expert appraisal committee granted final approval on August 11, paving the way for construction to begin. The project is expected to be completed within three years.
