Panel to speed up survey for tunnel

Pune: A three-member committee will look into speeding up the survey of tunnel from Pashan to Kothrud.

Once built, the tunnel is expected to ease the burden of heavy traffic in these areas and on Senapati Bapat Road.

The civic administration has got green signal from the defence department for the survey.

A feasibility report is key to finalise the commencement date. Funds have been set aside in the PMC budget.

“We had approached the department for the survey. We have their approval and the actual study can start,” a senior PMC official said.

The tunnel is in two major sections, from Sutardara to Panchvati and from Panchvati to Gokhalenagar.

Approval from the ARAI, NCL and the forest department is also needed for this project.

The committee will also coordinate with Pune Metropolitan Development Authority for a metro rail.

Deputy chief minister and guardian minister Ajit Pawar last Friday gave directions to civic officials to speed up the survey.

“The defence ministry has given approval to conduct the study. The ground work for the feasibility report should be carried out speedily,” he told civic officials.