Pune: Yerwada–Katraj And Central City Tunnel Projects Shelved Over High Costs
Pune: Yerwada–Katraj And Central City Tunnel Projects Shelved Over High Costs
Pune, October 1, 2025: Pune residents have long been troubled by traffic congestion, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and traffic police to explore various solutions. One such proposal was to construct a tunnel road from Yerwada to Katraj. However, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram clarified that the project is not feasible due to its high cost and limited utility, leading to the project being shelved.
This decision also effectively ends plans for other proposed tunnels in central Pune, such as Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada and Shaniwarwada to Swargate.
Originally, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis had suggested the Yerwada–Katraj underground route, with PMRDA tasked to prepare a detailed report. Consultancy firm Monarch estimated the cost at ₹7,500 crore for two six-lane tunnels spanning around 20 km. Officials noted that spending such a huge amount for limited traffic usage would be impractical.
Separately, MLA Hemant Rasne had proposed tunnels along Bajirao Road (Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada) and Shivaji Road (Shaniwarwada to Swargate). Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had even visited the area but got stuck in Shaniwarwada traffic and left without inspection. Given that Shaniwarwada is a heritage site where excavation or construction is prohibited within 100 meters, PMC has also indicated a red signal for these projects, estimated at ₹2,000–2,500 crore.
