Pune’s Underground Revolution: The Game-Changing Yerawada–Katraj Tunnel Project Explained

Ajjay Bhagyakar
Jan 9
3 min read

Pune faces a growing challenge: its roads are bursting at the seams, and surface traffic congestion is becoming unbearable. The city’s limited space makes expanding roads difficult, and daily commutes are longer and more stressful. To tackle this, Pune is moving forward with a bold plan to build an underground tunnel connecting Yerawada and Katraj. This project promises to reshape how people move through the city by creating a new, efficient route beneath the surface. Pune’s Underground Revolution: The Game-Changing Yerawada–Katraj Tunnel Project Explained

What the Yerawada–Katraj Tunnel Project Involves

The Yerawada–Katraj tunnel is designed as a twin tunnel corridor running north to south. It will connect Pune’s eastern neighborhoods with its southern suburbs, cutting through some of the most congested parts of the city. This underground route aims to:

Reduce travel time by providing a direct path that avoids surface traffic jams.
Relieve pressure on existing roads by diverting heavy vehicles and through-traffic underground.
Improve air quality and reduce noise pollution on surface streets by moving traffic below ground.

The tunnel is just one part of a larger vision. It will link with a planned 54-kilometre underground road network that connects key areas such as Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Pashan, Aundh, and Khadki. This network will eventually tie into Pune’s inner ring road, improving access to regional highways and making travel smoother across the city.

Why Pune Needs This Tunnel

Pune’s rapid growth has outpaced its road infrastructure. The city’s geography and existing urban layout limit the possibility of widening roads or building new surface routes. Traffic congestion causes:

Longer commute times, sometimes doubling travel durations during peak hours.
Increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Stress and reduced productivity for commuters.

The Yerawada–Katraj tunnel offers a practical solution by creating space underground, where the city can expand without disturbing existing buildings or green areas. It also supports Pune’s goal of becoming a more sustainable and livable city.

Political Support and Planning Progress

The project has gained strong backing from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. He emphasized that underground infrastructure is essential for a city like Pune, where surface expansion is no longer feasible. The positive response from the Chief Minister’s Office followed the completion of a detailed pre-feasibility study.

The next steps include presenting this study to the Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) after the current electoral model code of conduct ends. Once approved, the project will move to the state cabinet for funding decisions and detailed planning.

What to Expect in Terms of Cost and Timeline

While exact timelines and phases are still being finalized, planners estimate the total cost of the underground network, including the Yerawada–Katraj tunnel, at around ₹32,000 crore. This figure reflects the scale and complexity of tunneling beneath a busy city.

The project will likely be executed in stages, starting with the Yerawada–Katraj corridor as a priority. Construction will involve advanced engineering techniques to ensure safety and minimal disruption to the city above.

Benefits Beyond Traffic Relief ( Pune’s Underground Revolution: The Game-Changing Yerawada–Katraj Tunnel Project Explained )

The tunnel project offers several additional advantages:

Economic growth: Improved connectivity can boost business activities by reducing transport delays.
Urban development: Surface roads freed from heavy traffic can be redesigned for pedestrians, cyclists, and public spaces.
Emergency response: The tunnel can provide alternative routes for emergency vehicles, improving city resilience.

Challenges and Considerations

Building a tunnel under a dense urban area is complex. Some challenges include:

Managing construction without disrupting daily life.
Ensuring safety standards for underground travel.
Coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders.

Careful planning and transparent communication with residents will be key to overcoming these hurdles.

The Yerawada–Katraj tunnel project marks a significant step in Pune’s journey toward smarter urban mobility. By moving traffic underground, the city can reclaim surface space and offer faster, cleaner travel options. As the project moves forward, Pune residents can look forward to a future where commuting is less stressful and the city’s growth is supported by thoughtful infrastructure.

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty

Source: X.com + Verified News Reports