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Pune’s Underground Road Network: A Bold Step Toward Easing Traffic Congestion
- Ajjay Bhagyakar
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar
News Source: MyPunePulse
Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities, is often praised for its educational institutions, thriving IT hubs, and rich cultural heritage. However, with rapid urbanization comes an unavoidable challenge—traffic congestion. Commuters in Pune’s central areas, from Shaniwarwada to Swargate and Sarasbaug, are all too familiar with the daily grind of bumper-to-bumper traffic. To address this pressing concern, a transformative solution is now on the table: an underground road network.
The Proposal: Going Underground to Go Forward
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recently instructed the state administration to move forward with plans for developing an underground road system in Pune’s core areas. This directive emerged from a high-level meeting in Pune attended by senior leaders including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam, and local MLA Hemant Rasane.
The focus of this initiative is clear—create long-term, sustainable solutions to decongest the city’s heart, where traffic pressure is at its peak. The underground road project is being envisioned as a modern urban mobility measure that will complement Pune’s ongoing infrastructural growth.
Key Projects Under Consideration
Among the proposed underground routes, two stand out:
Shaniwarwada to Swargate: A crucial stretch that connects the historic core with a busy transport hub. Currently plagued with heavy congestion, this corridor could greatly benefit from an underground bypass.
Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada: Another central stretch where road space is limited, and traffic bottlenecks cause significant delays.
If executed efficiently, these routes could ease travel time dramatically, while also reducing surface-level congestion that impacts pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses.
Support From Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
Pune Municipal Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram has expressed full support for the initiative. In fact, he recently conducted a detailed review of traffic issues in the Kasba Peth constituency, accompanied by MLA Hemant Rasane and DCP Rishikesh Raut. The PMC has already been working on both short-term measures such as traffic diversions and signal improvements, and long-term strategies like road widening and metro expansion. The underground road network adds a new dimension to this vision.
Why Underground Roads?
Building underground roadways in a dense city center is not just a futuristic idea—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:
Space Optimization: With limited scope to expand existing roads horizontally, underground networks provide a vertical solution to urban traffic.
Reduced Congestion: By diverting through-traffic below ground, surface roads become freer for local commuters and non-motorized transport.
Improved Safety: Underground networks can be designed with advanced ventilation, lighting, and monitoring systems for safe commuting.
Urban Aesthetics: Moving heavy traffic below ground frees up surface space for pedestrian-friendly pathways, green cover, and public amenities.
Time Efficiency: Shorter travel times mean better productivity, less fuel wastage, and reduced pollution.
Challenges Ahead
While the vision is ambitious, several challenges will need to be addressed:
Cost and Funding: Large-scale underground infrastructure requires massive investment. Exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be crucial.
Engineering Complexities: Pune’s central areas have heritage sites and old structures. Careful planning will be required to ensure no damage to the city’s historical fabric.
Execution Timeline: Such projects demand years of planning, approvals, and phased execution.
Traffic Management During Construction: Citizens may face temporary inconvenience during the construction period.
A Step Toward Smart City Goals
This proposal aligns with Pune’s Smart City Mission, which emphasizes sustainable transport, decongestion, and livability. Along with the Pune Metro expansion, BRTS improvements, and flyovers, the underground road network could play a pivotal role in shaping Pune’s mobility future.
What Citizens Can Expect
If implemented successfully, Puneites can look forward to:
Smoother Commutes: Daily travel time within central areas could be reduced drastically.
Enhanced Livability: With reduced traffic chaos, city centers could become more pedestrian-friendly and business-friendly.
Economic Boost: Improved connectivity always fuels commerce, making Pune more attractive to investors and job creators.
The Road Ahead
The underground road project is still at a proposal stage, but the strong push from the state government, combined with PMC’s proactive measures, gives reason for optimism. If backed with efficient planning, transparent execution, and citizen support, Pune could very well be on its way to setting an example for other Indian cities facing similar congestion woes.
Conclusion
Pune stands at a crossroads where its growth story must be matched with infrastructural foresight. The underground road network is more than just a traffic solution—it’s a vision of a modern, efficient, and livable city. While challenges remain, the political will and administrative support signal that Pune is ready to take bold steps underground to secure a smoother journey for its citizens above ground.
Author: Ajjay BhagyakarNews Source: MyPunePulse
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