Pune News, June 23, 2025: In a striking irony, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was forced to abandon a crucial site inspection for a proposed four-lane tunnel in Pune after his convoy got stuck in heavy traffic on Monday. The tunnel, intended to ease congestion in the city’s central area, became a victim of the very problem it seeks to solve.
Gadkari had arrived near Shaniwarwada’s main gate at the junction of Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road—both one-way routes—to assess the feasibility of the project. However, peak-hour gridlock disrupted his plans, prompting him to cancel the visit and instead hold discussions with officials, including Kasba BJP MLA Hemant Rasane and Maharashtra Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
Project Details and Political Push
The proposed twin tunnels, spanning 2.5 km, will connect Shaniwarwada to Swargate and Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada, diverting traffic from the congested Shivaji and Bajirao Roads. Over one lakh vehicles pass through these routes daily, worsening pollution and damaging heritage structures.
The Union Minister assured central funding for the project, as neither the state government nor PMC can bear the full cost. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the proposal further.
DPR in Progress, Environmental & Heritage Benefits
Following Rasane’s appeal, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Public Works Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), expected within 15 days. The tunnel is envisioned as an eco-friendly solution that will reduce traffic while protecting Pune’s historical landmarks.
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
Key Takeaways
- Traffic chaos forced Gadkari to halt his site visit.
- Twin tunnels (2.5 km) proposed to decongest Pune’s core.
- Central funding assured, DPR underway.
- Heritage conservation a priority alongside traffic relief.
