Tunnel Vision: ₹2,200 Crore Project to Secure Pune's Water Supply

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted clearance for the 34-km Khadakwasla–Phursungi tunnel project, aimed at enhancing water supply to Pune and surrounding rural areas.

Approved on August 11 by the Ministry and its Expert Appraisal Committee, the ₹2,200 crore project seeks to reduce distribution losses and boost irrigation capacity. Of the total alignment, 28 km will run underground at depths ranging from 80 to 240 metres, supported by six shafts to facilitate excavation via controlled blasting. The tunnel will feature a concrete lining and a 5-metre internal diameter, designed to improve durability and optimize water flow.

Formal certification is pending, after which construction will commence, with completion targeted within three years.

The project is expected to conserve approximately 3 TMC of water annually, increase the canal's carrying capacity to 1,510 cusecs, and enhance flow speed by nearly 1.5 times. Once operational, it will secure Pune’s water supply, extend irrigation coverage to 3,472 hectares, and significantly bolster Western Maharashtra’s water infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.