PMC Reconsiders Tunnel Option for Balbharati–Paud Phata Road

Originally conceived as an alternative link to Law College Road, the project spans 1.8 kilometres, including a 400-metre elevated flyover. In 2022, the PMC approved a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 2.52 billion, opting for an elevated road after evaluating three alternatives — a surface road, a three-metre-high elevated stretch, and a tunnel.

However, the project has faced strong opposition from environmental activists, who challenged it in the Bombay High Court and later in the Supreme Court. The apex court directed the civic body to obtain environmental clearance before commencing any construction. Subsequently, the PMC appointed a consultant to prepare the required documentation for approval.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram recently revealed that the corporation is re-examining the tunnel option to assess its feasibility and will prepare a new project estimate accordingly. He also noted that the project currently lacks budgetary allocation, which may be considered in the next financial year’s plan.

Experts have expressed concern that revisiting the tunnel alternative could reignite conflict. They warned that drilling through Vetal Tekdi might disrupt natural water springs, increase environmental risks, and require new clearances and permissions, leading to further delays and legal challenges.

Former Opposition Leader Ujwal Keskar stated that the PMC had already reviewed all possible alternatives before approving the elevated design, cautioning that reopening the plan would only delay progress and renew public opposition.

For Pune, the Balbharati–Paud Phata road continues to symbolise a wider struggle between urban expansion and environmental preservation, making it one of the city’s most contentious infrastructure projects.