Pune Plans Massive Underground Road Network Under “Patal Lok” Concept

Pune authorities are planning a 54-km underground road network worth ₹34,000 crore to ease traffic congestion, involving multiple tunnels, international consultants, and a special purpose vehicle for implementation.

Pune | 08 May 2026: Pune city is moving ahead with an ambitious underground transport infrastructure plan aimed at tackling severe traffic congestion. The project, inspired by the “Patal Lok” concept announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, proposes constructing a network of subterranean roads across key city routes.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has begun preliminary work on the project, which envisions five underground tunnels spanning a total length of around 54 kilometers. The estimated cost of the project is approximately ₹34,000 crore, making it one of the largest urban infrastructure proposals in the region.

According to officials, the underground corridors are intended to divert heavy traffic away from surface roads, improving travel speed and reducing congestion in densely populated areas. The plan is being developed in coordination with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).A detailed project report will be prepared with the help of an internationally experienced consultancy firm. The administration also plans to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage planning, funding, and execution of the project. This SPV will operate under the leadership of the municipal commissioner and include representatives from district administration, police authorities, and transport experts.

The proposed tunnel routes include key corridors such as Yerwada to Katraj via Khandwa, Khadki to Yerwada, Sinhagad Road to Aundh via key junctions, and Hinjewadi to Baner-Pashan stretch. These routes are expected to significantly reduce pressure on Pune’s major arterial roads.

Officials have indicated that the project will likely be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model due to its scale and financial requirements. The feasibility study and final approval will be based on expert evaluations and technical assessments. While the project is being promoted as a long-term solution to Pune’s traffic issues, experts have also highlighted challenges related to cost, engineering complexity, and execution timelines.

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