Pune is evaluating the feasibility of an extensive underground road network spanning approximately 45 kilometres, a move aimed at decongesting surface roads and improving cross-city mobility. Inspired by similar projects in Mumbai, the initiative, led by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), could involve an investment of around Rs 20,000 crore, signalling a long-term commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions.
The proposed corridor is centred on a twin tunnel linking Yerwada and Katraj, with preliminary designs and feasibility assessments already submitted by an appointed consultant. “This plan reflects our efforts to explore innovative mobility solutions that reduce congestion while minimising urban disruption,” a senior PMRDA official said. Extensive technical and geological surveys conducted over the past months informed the study, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in executing underground infrastructure beneath Pune’s hilly terrain. Key segments are expected to pass beneath Taljai and Vetal hills, areas earmarked for development under the Pune Municipal Corporation’s planning framework. Additional alignments at Swargate, Jagtap Dairy, and Katraj have been proposed, potentially diverting through-traffic away from arterial surface roads and facilitating uninterrupted movement for commuters and freight vehicles. Officials emphasised that tunnels would be constructed at an approximate depth of 30 metres to avoid interference with existing or planned Metro corridors.
The project is envisaged in three phases, allowing gradual rollout as funding and regulatory approvals are secured. Once PMRDA completes its internal review, the proposal will be submitted to the state government for policy clearance and financial sanction. The initiative complements a broader infrastructure push across the metropolitan region, which currently includes 220 identified development projects with a cumulative allocation of Rs 32,523 crore, recently approved by the state government. Urban planners highlight the dual benefits of underground corridors: they can significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks while preserving surface-level urban space for pedestrians, green areas, and sustainable transport modes.
“By moving through-traffic below ground, the city can reclaim surface streets for more equitable and eco-friendly mobility options,” an urban mobility expert said.
While the project is still in its conceptual phase, the PMRDA’s plan underscores a growing trend among Indian cities to invest in innovative, high-capacity infrastructure while prioritising long-term sustainability. With careful design and implementation, underground road networks could become a cornerstone of Pune’s efforts to build a more resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon urban environment.
Pune PMRDA Explores Ambitious Underground Road Network To Enhance Connectivity
