The proposed project, estimated to cost around Rs 200 billion, is being examined as a long-term mobility solution to address chronic traffic congestion across the metropolitan region. A consultant appointed by PMRDA has already submitted a preliminary design along with a draft feasibility report.

The assessment is centred on the proposed Yerwada–Katraj twin tunnel, envisioned as a core element of a wider underground corridor network. Officials said the study follows detailed technical and geological surveys carried out over recent months.

Planning authorities indicated that the concept includes underground road stretches beneath Taljai and Vetal hills, areas already earmarked for infrastructure development in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Development Plan. Additional tunnel alignments have been proposed at Swargate, Jagtap Dairy and Katraj, which could significantly ease congestion on surface roads in both central Pune and its suburbs.

The draft proposal envisages a six-lane underground express corridor linking four major highways — Pune–Mumbai, Pune–Satara, Pune–Solapur and Pune–Ahilyanagar. By enabling uninterrupted cross-city travel below ground, the network is expected to divert through-traffic away from existing arterial routes.

Officials clarified that the tunnels would be built at a depth of about 30 metres to avoid interference with existing and planned Metro rail corridors. The project has been divided into three phases, allowing for staggered execution, subject to statutory approvals and funding availability.

Once PMRDA completes its internal evaluation, the proposal will be submitted to the Government of Maharashtra for policy clearance and financial approval.

The underground road initiative is part of PMRDA’s broader infrastructure push, under which 220 projects have been identified across the metropolitan region. Recently, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved Rs 325.23 billion for various development works in the Pune region.