Pune: DPR for Central Pune Four-Lane Underground Road Project Nears Completion, Gadkari Reviews Plans
Pune, 23 June 2025 – In a significant move to alleviate severe traffic congestion in Pune’s central areas, two four-lane underground roads have been proposed—one connecting Shaniwarwada to Swargate and another from Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada. BJP MLA Hemant Rasane announced on Monday that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for these tunnels is nearing completion, with the Public Works Department (PWD) finalizing the comprehensive plan.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, visited the Vitthalrao Gadgil statue near Shaniwarwada on Monday to assess the proposed tunnels. Accompanied by Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, MLA Hemant Rasane, BJP office-bearers, and party workers, Gadkari inspected the site and discussed project details with Rasane. After a brief interaction, the Union Minister assured full support before departing for his next engagement. Rasane also submitted a memorandum seeking central assistance for the ambitious initiative.
शनिवार वाडा – स्वारगेट भुयारी मार्गाच्या निर्मितीसाठी महत्त्वाचे पाऊल..!
— Hemant Rasane (@HemantNRasane) June 23, 2025
पुणे शहर आणि कसबा मतदारसंघातील वाहतुकीच्या दृष्टीने अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा ठरणारा 'शनिवारवाडा ते स्वारगेट' भुयारी चौपदरी मार्ग प्रकल्प आता प्रत्यक्षात येण्याच्या दृष्टीने महत्त्वाचे पाऊल पडत आहे. आज केंद्रीय… pic.twitter.com/nDmRHobqTh
Rasane highlighted the persistent traffic woes on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road and Bajirao Road, two key arteries in the city center. “These roads face heavy congestion, especially during festivals and peak hours,” he said. “To address this, we have proposed a 2.5-kilometre four-lane underground road between Shaniwarwada and Swargate, along with another tunnel from Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also expressed positive support for the idea.”
He further noted that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road was historically part of the old National Highway 4, linking Mumbai and Pune via Wakdewadi and Katraj. Though the city’s expansion and bypass routes have reclassified this stretch within municipal limits, it retains its national highway status. Rasane expressed optimism that central government backing would expedite the project’s realization.
