Pune Infra Watch: Technical study for 34-km tunnel project from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi almost over

Once the tunnel comes up, it would save 2.5 TMC water (required to meet the needs of 50 lakh people for one-and-a-half months) that is being lost from one of the canals from the dam by way of leakages and evaporation.

Maharashtra government’s plan to construct a 34-km tunnel from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi in the eastern suburbs of Pune. (File Representational Photo)

The Maharashtra government’s plan to construct a 34-km tunnel from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi in the eastern suburbs of Pune has gained momentum as the technical study for the implementation of the project has been nearly completed.

Once the tunnel comes up, it would save 2.5 TMC water (required to meet the needs of 50 lakh people for one-and-a-half months) that is being lost from one of the canals from the dam on the Mutha river by way of leakages and evaporation.

The Khadakwasla dam, which is a major source of water for Pune residents, is connected to the Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar dams on the upstream of Mutha river. Water from the reservoir is provided to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) through closed pipelines while two canals were constructed from the dam through the city to provide water to rural parts of the district. One canal was closed and a pipeline was laid in it by the civic body, while water continued to be released from the second canal for irrigation purposes. However, there was a loss of 2.5 TMC water from the canal.

“The technical study of the Khadakwasla-Phursungi tunnel for water is almost complete. Boring was carried out to study the soil every 50 metres. The study is under scrutiny and a detailed report of it would be submitted to the state water resources department by month-end,” said Pravin Kolhe, executive engineer, of the state water resources department for Bhima valley.

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The water resources department has also undertaken a seismic refraction survey and electrical resistivity survey of the 5-km stretch of the tunnel from Khadakwasla.

“The land alongside Khadakwasla dam needs to be deeply studied for implementation of the project. The seismic refraction survey will determine stratigraphy (arrangement of rock layers) along the proposed route which would include the study of soil, weathered rock, rock interfaces, and detection of faults, fractures, and shear zones. The electrical resistivity survey for depth of formations, shear zone, classification of strata, depth of water table,” he said.

These studies would also be matched with geological studies and would double confirm the condition of the land, Kolhe said.

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The 7.8-meter-wide and 34-km-long tunnel construction is estimated to cost Rs 1,500 crore through the blasting method and Rs 3,000 crore if done through Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).

The state water resources department has approached the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) for funding the project. There is an option of implementing the project with funding from PMRDA as it would ensure the water supply at a concessional rate. Otherwise, the project will have to be implemented through the budgetary provision of the state water resource department. Also, there is an option for land monetization that would be available upon the closing of the canal.

“The detailed proposal would be submitted to the state water resources department which will table it in the cabinet. The opinion of other departments concerned would be included while taking the final decision,” Kolhe said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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