₹2,190 Crore Tunnel from Khadakwasla to Phursungi Begins Work to Boost Pune’s Water Supply
Work begins on the 28 km Khadakwasla-Phursungi water tunnel project—estimated at ₹2,190 crore—to reduce water loss and enhance supply in Pune region.
Pune, November 01, 2025: In a major step towards strengthening Pune’s water infrastructure, work has officially begun on the ₹2,190 crore Khadakwasla–Phursungi water tunnel, an ambitious underground project designed to ensure consistent water supply across the city and its surrounding areas. The 28 km tunnel will connect the Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi and will replace the decades-old open canal system that has long been plagued by water loss and inefficiency.
Officials from the Water Resources Department confirmed that the new tunnel will be built entirely underground, at depths ranging from 80 to 240 metres. This design will prevent evaporation losses and protect water from contamination, theft, and encroachment—issues that have consistently affected the open canal for years. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to increase water flow capacity to over 1,500 cusecs, ensuring reliable supply for both domestic and agricultural needs in Pune and nearby talukas.
According to project engineers, the tunnel will feature six vertical shafts for ventilation and maintenance access. These shafts will also serve as construction points during the excavation phase. The project’s alignment is being executed using advanced boring and tunnelling machinery to ensure minimum disruption to the surface environment and surrounding habitats.
Preliminary work such as surveying, land demarcation, and equipment setup has already started at locations including Vadachi Wadi and Uruli Devachi. Full-scale excavation is expected to ramp up by early next year, following the completion of logistical clearances and safety audits. Authorities expect the project to take around three years to complete once construction begins in full swing.
The new tunnel is projected to save over 2 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water annually—an amount that could substantially improve the water situation for lakhs of residents. The modern infrastructure will help Pune handle growing urban demands and reduce dependency on intermittent water releases from the dam during the dry season.
Officials have emphasized that this initiative represents a shift from temporary repairs to long-term sustainable water management. By moving from surface canals to deep underground tunnels, the city aims to minimize losses, reduce maintenance costs, and improve resilience against drought conditions. Additionally, the land currently occupied by the open canal may be repurposed for green development or civic use after the new tunnel becomes operational.
Urban planners and environmental experts have welcomed the move, noting that it could serve as a model for other cities facing water supply challenges due to outdated infrastructure. The project also aligns with Maharashtra’s broader mission to modernize irrigation and urban water systems through high-capacity tunnel networks.
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