Pune: PMRDA Moves Forward with Yerwada-Katraj Tunnel Project to Ease Pune’s Traffic Congestion
PUNE – In a significant step toward addressing the city’s chronic traffic woes, the Pune Integrated Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) recently held a high-level meeting to discuss the proposed Yerwada–Katraj Tunnel project.
The meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar and attended by top brass from across the region’s administrative bodies. Key attendees included Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Metropolitan Commissioner of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Additional Commissioner Deepak Singla, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P.
Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning
During the session, the consulting firm ‘Monarch’ presented a comprehensive Feasibility Report for the tunnel. The project is envisioned as a strategic bypass to facilitate smoother north-south connectivity within the city, potentially bypassing several heavily congested bottlenecks.
The officials engaged in a detailed deliberation on the pros and cons of the proposed alignment. While the report outlines a viable path for the tunnel, the committee suggested specific technical corrections and improvements to ensure the project integrates seamlessly with Pune’s existing and future infrastructure.
Key Highlights of the Meeting:
- Collaborative Oversight: The meeting saw participation from Pune’s Additional Police Commissioner Manoj Patil, while Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner and Pune Metro MD Shravan Hardikar joined via video conference.
- Refinement of Plans: Following the presentation, PUMTA has mandated necessary revisions to the feasibility report to address environmental and logistical concerns.
- Next Steps: A revised proposal, incorporating the suggested changes, is slated to be presented soon to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for final approval and funding allocations.
As the planning and development authority for the region, PMRDA continues to prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Pune’s residents. If approved, the Yerwada-Katraj tunnel could become a landmark project in the city’s urban transformation.
