Premium

‘Who will take it up and when?’: BJP MLA Hemant Rasane seeks clarification on stalled Pune tunnel project

BJP MLA Hemant Rasane’s plan to build a four-lane tunnel to ease traffic in Pune has stalled due to a delay in preparing the Detailed Project Report.

BJP MLA Hemant Rasane (Photo: FB@HemantNRasane)

Upset that his ambitious plan to construct a four-lane tunnel to ease traffic in the heart of Pune has been stalled due to a delay in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), BJP MLA Hemant Rasane on Wednesday demanded answers from the BJP-led Maharashtra government.

“I want a clarification on the assurance given to me on taking up the project work. Who will take it up and when?” the Kasba Peth MLA asked in the state Legislative Assembly.

Last year, Rasane had proposed a four-lane tunnel from Shaniwarwada to Swargate and Sarasbaug to Shaniwarwada, as an alternative to Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road. “The heart of Pune city witnesses traffic chaos every day. The tunnel project is expected to enable an environmentally friendly passage for vehicles that would ensure the conservation of heritage structures. Over 1 lakh vehicles pass through the road every day,” he said.

ALSO READ | Stuck in Pune traffic, Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari drops site visit for proposed tunnel

While the state public works department was directed to prepare the DPR initially, it later conveyed that the work had been handed over to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) under the state urban development department.

“They, too, have failed to start work on the DPR. The responsibility has been pushed from one department to another for a year,” Rasane alleged.

Minister Uday Samant said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis had convened a meeting to discuss the proposal and gave directions to prepare a DPR. “However, there is confusion within the two state government departments on who should take up the responsibility, as it is under the PMC area. The matter has again been referred to the chief minister, who has decided to discuss it within the next 15 days,” Samant said.

Earlier this year, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had to drop his plan to visit the project site after he was stuck in traffic. Rasane had requested Gadkari to grant central funding for the project, and he had reportedly assured that the Centre would help.

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

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Tags:
Mumbai

Loading Taboola...