Pune Advances Underground Road Mobility Vision

Pune: Maharashtra has initiated the next stage of planning for an ambitious underground road network in Pune, with the state government directing a detailed technical survey to examine the feasibility of constructing a series of tunnels aimed at reducing chronic traffic congestion and strengthening long-term urban mobility. The proposal forms part of a broader transport strategy that combines road infrastructure, mass transit and regional connectivity to support the city’s rapid expansion.

The proposed Pune Tunnel Network would include multiple underground and elevated sections connecting key growth corridors across the metropolitan region. Preliminary plans identify three major alignments linking Bhosari with the proposed airport corridor near Undri, Ramnadi-Bhugaon with Rajaram Bridge, and Taljai Hill with the Padmavati-Hingne corridor. Technical institutions and engineering experts will undertake surveys to assess geological conditions, alignment options and project viability before detailed planning proceeds. State officials reviewed the proposal alongside other strategic mobility initiatives, including the High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) and the Pune Inner Ring Road. Together, these projects are intended to create an integrated transport network capable of addressing increasing travel demand generated by sustained population growth, expanding employment centres and urbanisation across the Pune Metropolitan Region.

Urban planners note that underground transport infrastructure can help preserve surface land in densely developed cities where conventional road widening is becoming increasingly difficult. By diverting through traffic below ground, tunnel corridors may reduce pressure on busy junctions, improve travel reliability and create opportunities to redesign surface streets for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. However, experts also caution that such projects require detailed environmental assessments, geological investigations and comprehensive cost-benefit analysis before implementation. The proposed Pune Tunnel Network will complement the planned 43.6-kilometre HCMTR corridor, which is designed to improve east-west and north-south connectivity while integrating with existing and upcoming metro lines. Authorities also aim to accelerate progress on the 83-kilometre Pune Inner Ring Road, which will connect dozens of villages and emerging urban settlements, improving regional mobility and reducing heavy vehicle movement through the city centre. To facilitate implementation, the state government has directed departments to expedite land acquisition, government land transfers and administrative approvals required for these infrastructure programmes. Officials have also sought coordinated planning between the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority to minimise procedural delays and ensure integrated execution.

Transport economists believe that synchronising metro systems, ring roads and underground corridors can improve network resilience by distributing traffic across multiple modes instead of relying solely on private vehicles. Such an approach also supports more balanced urban development by improving access between residential neighbourhoods, industrial clusters and commercial districts. As Pune prepares for another phase of metropolitan growth, the success of these projects will depend on careful planning, timely execution and sustainable urban design. If implemented alongside efficient public transport and land-use planning, the proposed transport network could improve mobility while supporting a more connected, economically competitive and climate-responsive city.

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Pune Advances Underground Road Mobility Vision