Pune: The much-anticipated water tunnel project aimed at enhancing Pune’s water supply and supporting irrigation needs has moved closer to reality with the Water Resources Department starting the tender process.

This project will transport water through a 28-kilometer-long closed pipeline (tunnel) from Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi, ensuring a steady and increased supply of water to the city as well as nearby agricultural areas.

The tender submission deadline has been set for September 30, marking a critical step toward the project’s implementation. 

Earlier this month, on September 5, the state government approved the proposal, and now the Water Resources Department has begun accepting tenders worth approximately ₹1,600 crore, even though the total project cost is estimated to exceed ₹2,000 crore.

The primary objective of this project is to transport water more efficiently, saving approximately 2.5 TMC of water by reducing pollution, leakage, and evaporation. 

This will significantly benefit both Pune's growing urban population and farmers in the region. In addition to improving the city's water supply, the project will ensure irrigation for an extra 3,472 hectares of land.

The Water Resources Department has designed a ‘D’-shaped tunnel that will be 7.80 meters wide, 3.90 meters high, and extend 28 kilometers from Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi. 

The tunnel will utilize gravity to transport water at a capacity of 1,510 cusecs, thus avoiding energy costs and preserving natural resources.

The project has attracted interest from the Asian Development Bank, which has expressed readiness to provide financial assistance. In response, the Water Resources Department has submitted a proposal for ₹2,200 crore. 

Additionally, a proposal has been put forth to the Pune Municipal Corporation, suggesting that the corporation take over the land made available by closing the existing canal, in exchange for providing TDR (Transferable Development Rights).

The project is expected to take at least three years to complete once construction begins. The detailed project report has already received approvals from the Chief Engineer and the State-Level Technical Advisory Committee. With these developments, all necessary permissions are in place, and the project is on the verge of commencement.