Double Decker Twin Tunnel Project Reaches Final Planning Stage in Pune
Pune, a city in India known for its growing traffic congestion, is set to benefit from an ambitious infrastructure project - the Double Decker Twin Tunnel. The proposed underground transport corridor between Yerawada and Katraj has reached its final planning stage, aiming to ease traffic congestion.
Key Project Details
- Cost: ₹36,415 crore
- Underground roads: 54 kilometres of roads will be constructed across the city
- Land acquisition: Authorities may have to acquire around 54 hectares of land for the development
Tunnel Design and Safety Features
The tunnel design includes a dedicated emergency escape route to ensure commuter safety during emergencies. The project proposes a 17.6-metre-diameter double-decker tunnel, allowing traffic movement in both directions within a single underground structure.
This design will help minimise land acquisition and reduce environmental impact while improving urban mobility in Pune, officials claim.
Traffic Congestion Zones and Proposed Routes
- Traffic congestion zones: Areas including Vaibhav Talkies-Hadapsar, Harris Bridge, Shaniwarwada, Ganeshkhind Road and the Kharadi bypass were identified as major traffic congestion zones.
- Proposed routes: Seven proposed tunnel corridors, including the Yerawada-Khadi Machine route, Jagtap Dairy-Sinhagad Road, and Yerawada-Hinjawadi.
Expected Benefits
- Reduced traffic load: The underground tunnel network could reduce the city’s traffic load by 15 to 22 per cent.
- Shortened travel times: The current 75-minute travel time between Yerawada and Hinjawadi may come down to just 16 minutes. The commute from Jagtap Dairy to Kothrud could be reduced from 65 minutes to only seven minutes.
Implementation and Funding
The detailed study report for the project has been prepared by Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultancy. The report includes a comprehensive analysis of Pune’s present traffic conditions, future traffic growth, economic feasibility and funding possibilities.
The findings have already been submitted to the state government, and efforts are underway to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the implementation of the project.