Pune Metro Issues Safety Warning Following Tunnel Breach Incident; Mandatory Permissions Required in Peth Areas
PUNE – Pune Metro Rail Authority has issued a strict advisory for residents and developers in the city’s historic Peth areas. It is now mandatory to obtain prior written permission from both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Metro’s concerned department before commencing any construction, excavation, or boring activities in the vicinity of the metro route.
The directive comes as a response to a series of safety concerns involving unauthorized underground work. Authorities emphasized that any activity conducted without explicit clearance, especially those resulting in damage to metro property, will face swift legal action under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act.
Background: The Shukrawar Peth Tunnel Breach
The urgency of this mandate stems from a significant incident on March 14, 2026, in Shukrawar Peth. During an unauthorized borewell drilling operation at a private residential property opposite the Khadak Police Station, a contractor punctured the underground metro tunnel on the Shivajinagar-Swargate corridor.
The drilling created a six-inch hole in the concrete lining of the tunnel, which is situated roughly 60 to 100 feet below ground level. The breach led to abnormal water seepage between the Swargate and Mandai stations, forcing metro officials to carry out emergency repairs. Following the incident, the Pune Police registered an FIR against the homeowner and the drilling contractor for negligence and endangering public safety.
Officials estimate that the unauthorized drilling caused damage worth approximately ₹2.5 lakh and posed a severe risk to the structural integrity of the tunnel and the safety of future commuters.
Strict Enforcement Moving Forward
The Peth areas, characterized by dense populations and narrow lanes, sit directly above the Metro’s twin-tunnel system. Pune Metro officials noted that despite existing advisories, some property owners continue to bypass safety protocols.
Moving forward, the authorities have clarified that:
- Mandatory Clearance: No “boring” or “excavation” can take place near the metro alignment without a structural safety report and official approval.
- Legal Consequences: Violators will be booked for damaging public property and acts endangering life.
- Monitoring: Metro teams will increase surface inspections in sensitive zones to detect unauthorized equipment.
Residents are urged to verify their proximity to the metro alignment before planning any sub-surface work to avoid legal complications and ensure the city’s infrastructure remains secure.
