Pune civic body studies two underground road corridors totalling 31 km to ease traffic

The city administration is examining two underground road corridors to reduce traffic congestion in Pune and its growing outer areas. Together the corridors measure about 31 km. One is proposed from Bhosari to Undri and the other from Bhugaon to Erandwane. They would create new links between areas that are under heavy traffic pressure at present.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has received approval from Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to appoint expert consultants. The consultants will carry out a detailed feasibility study and prepare a detailed project report (DPR). The proposal is part of the state government's broader "Patal Lok" initiative, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to explore underground transport routes to deal with rising congestion.

The two corridors were selected after an initial assessment of traffic movement and travel patterns. Both are still at the planning stage. The final decision on implementation will depend on technical, financial, environmental and traffic assessments.

The longer corridor is about 23 km and is proposed between Bhosari and Undri. The suggested route would run through Sangamwadi, Dhobighat in the Pune Cantonment area and Kondhwa before reaching Undri. The aim is to connect the northern and southern parts of the Pune metropolitan region more directly. Depending on how the surrounding road network develops, it could also serve travel to and from the proposed Purandar international airport.

The second proposal is about 8 km long. It would connect the Ram Nadi area of Bhugaon with DP Road in Erandwane. The suggested route passes through the Ram Nadi stretch and Dukkarkhind. It is seen as an alternative route for western Pune, particularly to overcome geographical obstacles around Dukkarkhind.

The PMC's initial assessment draws on data from several sources. These include TomTom origin-destination data, Google's real-time traffic information, inputs from the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and studies of travel patterns. Traffic police data was also used to assess movement at major junctions and road links.

The study has identified gaps between key transport corridors. It has also looked at where new links could spread the load of vehicles. The civic administration has also said that earlier proposals had not paid adequate attention to connections with large proposed road projects.

The tunnels are being assessed not as stand-alone road projects but as part of the larger transport network. Their links with the High-Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR), the Inner Ring Road and the Outer Ring Road will be examined. Existing and proposed flyovers and river bridges will also be considered.

The assessment will also cover the metro corridors proposed by Maha Metro and MSIDC. Better coordination between metro and bus routes may also form part of the work on the Comprehensive Mobility Plan.

Because the proposed routes pass through areas under the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, cantonment boards and the Ministry of Defence, coordination among several authorities will be needed.

Once the appointment of consultants is approved, the next phase will involve detailed technical and financial assessment, environmental study and preparation of the project report. A decision on construction will be taken only when these studies make clear that the corridors are practicable.