Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to expedite the proposal for a twin-tunnel project between Yerwada and Katraj in Pune, aiming to enhance urban mobility using the latest technology here, on Wednesday, February 12. Alongside this, major infrastructure projects in Nagpur have also been greenlit to improve connectivity and urban planning. The directives were issued during a review meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, attended by officials from Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authorities.
Key Approvals for Infrastructure Development in Pune and Nagpur
The meeting sanctioned significant projects, including:
• ₹636.84 crorefor road networks around the proposed Purandar airport
• ₹203 crorefor cement roadsin the Ranjangaon and Hinjewadi industrial zones
• ₹1,526 crorefor urban growth center road networks
• Connectivity improvements between Pune-Satara, Pune-Nagar highways, and Purandar airport
• Infrastructure boost for Nagpur, including new transport and metro connectivity projects
CM Fadnavis emphasized that the Yerwada-Katraj tunnelshould be built using a twin-tunnel model with advanced technology, and authorities must submit a proposal at the earliest.
Nagpur to See Major Urban Development Projects
The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has been directed to focus on:
• Assessing the feasibility of an office and residential complex in Sondapar
• Securing land for a wholesale flower market
• Expanding metro servicesand improving citywide connectivity
• Integrating industrial and commercial hubsinto urban planning
Additionally, CM Fadnavis stressed that roads in new urban developments should be at least 18 meters wide, and planning should account for future population growth.
Urban Planning and Transport Initiatives Across Maharashtra
To further enhance urban infrastructure, Fadnavis instructed:
• Expedited water supply projects
• More online servicesvia updated government portals
• Affordable development chargesfor residents
The CM suggested a two-phase approachfor city planning—
1. Phase 1:Roads, sewage, water supply, power, crematoriums, and burial grounds
2. Phase 2:Additional public amenities
Boost to Public Transport and Metro Expansion
The Pune Metropolitan Transport Corporation (PMT) will receive 500 new CNG buses to improve public transit. Additionally, Nagpur’s metro expansion and transport connectivity will be prioritized. CM Fadnavis also directed immediate action to allocate Raj Bhavan land for Metro flyover servicesin Pune.
The meeting was attended by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Urban Development MoS Madhuri Misal, along with municipal commissioners and planning officials.
With these new directives, Nagpur, Pune, and other metropolitan regions in Maharashtra are set for major infrastructure advancements, ensuring better connectivity, improved urban mobility, and sustainable development.
