Pune Underground Tunnel Proposal Gains Fresh Momentum
Pune: A proposed twin underground tunnel connecting Pune with the upcoming Purandar airport has moved a step closer, with Maha-Metro and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) set to undertake a joint feasibility study. The project aims to improve regional mobility while reducing travel time and limiting the need for large-scale land acquisition, an increasingly important consideration in fast-growing urban regions.
The proposed Pune twin tunnel project will pass beneath Dive Ghat on the Pune–Saswad corridor, a strategic route linking the city with the planned international airport at Purandar. According to district administration officials, the feasibility study will assess technical, engineering and financial aspects before a detailed project report is prepared. The proposal envisages two separate underground tunnels, one for a future Metro rail corridor and another for road traffic. If implemented, the integrated transport approach could improve connectivity between Pune’s urban core and emerging growth centres while creating dedicated infrastructure for both public and private transport. Infrastructure experts say combining rail and road connectivity within a single corridor can reduce surface disruption and optimise land use. The Pune twin tunnel project is also expected to minimise land acquisition compared with conventional highway expansion, helping reduce project delays and the social impact associated with large infrastructure developments.
The project is closely linked to the development of the proposed Purandar airport, which is expected to become a major aviation gateway for the Pune metropolitan region. Authorities aim to synchronise transport infrastructure with airport development to ensure efficient passenger movement once flight operations begin. Urban planners believe integrated airport connectivity is becoming increasingly important as Pune expands beyond its traditional municipal limits. Efficient links between airports, business districts and residential areas can strengthen economic competitiveness while reducing travel uncertainty for commuters and businesses. However, transport specialists emphasise that the project’s long-term success will depend on sustainable mobility planning. They argue that prioritising high-capacity public transport, multimodal integration and environmentally sensitive construction methods will be essential to managing future travel demand while limiting emissions and ecological impacts in the ghat region.
Meanwhile, land acquisition for the Purandar airport continues, with authorities indicating that construction-related tenders are expected to be issued in the coming months. Officials have stated that the objective is to complete the tunnel infrastructure before the airport becomes operational, allowing both projects to function as an integrated transport network. As Pune’s metropolitan footprint continues to expand, experts say infrastructure investments will need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and efficient land use. The outcome of the feasibility study will determine whether the proposed tunnel system can become a key component of the region’s long-term mobility strategy while supporting sustainable urban development.
