- By Chetna Shree
- Tue, 24 Jun 2025 03:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pune Traffic News: In view to curb the persistent traffic congestion in Pune, MLA Hemant Rasane proposed a four-lane underground corridor project from Shaniwarwada to Swargate, which will play an important role in reducing traffic congestion by facilitating the smooth navigation of lakhs of vehicles daily. The MLA has proposed this to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari during his recent visit to Pune.
Gadkari on Monday inspected the project details at the Kaka Saheb Gadgil Statue and the main entrance of Shaniwarwada. Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil was also present when MLA Rasane requested financial support from the Centre for the project. Highlighting the severe traffic congestion at Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road, he sought support for the four-lane as these roads hold potential as ‘future-link corridors’.
"The Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road are two critical arteries of Pune city. These roads are surrounded by historical landmarks, religious places, schools, colleges, and major commercial markets, resulting in the movement of lakhs of vehicles daily. Consequently, severe traffic congestion is a recurring problem in these areas," Rasane said on Monday as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
The construction of the four-lane underground road will not just ease traffic congestion but also preserve Pune’s historical heritage and protect the environment. The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs 550 crore.
The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, gave a positive response to the project as these routes fall under the national highway network. He assured Rasane that a meeting would be held regarding the project, and further plans would be discussed. Under the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Public Works Department (PWD) made a detailed project report, and it is in the final stages.
Funding is requested from the state and central government for the four-lane construction. Each of these tunnels of the underground road is estimated to be around 2.5 kilometres in length and would be constructed 30 feet below the ground surface.