Suresh Patil Slams “Ill-Conceived” Metro and Tunnel Projects; Calls for Sustainable Urban Solutions for PunePUNE | February 23, 2026:
Prominent social activist Suresh Patil today issued a stern warning to the city administration regarding the current direction of urban development in Pune. Addressing the media, Patil expressed grave concerns over the massive Metro constructions and the proposed 32-km tunnel project, calling them detrimental to the city’s future and a burden on the next generation.
“We must leave behind a city that is beautiful, functional, and liveable for our children. What is happening today in the name of development is exactly the opposite,” Patil stated during the press conference.
The key issues raised by Suresh Patil include:
- Metro vs. Global Standards (LRT):
Patil questioned the logic behind the massive concrete elevated Metro structures. He pointed out that globally, including in China, cities are moving toward Light Rail Transit (LRT) and ground-level trains that require minimal construction. “Our Metro has platforms that are unnecessarily massive. Furthermore, granting 4 FSI within 50 meters of the Metro line is a disaster. It replaces single bungalows with high-rise towers, bringing thousands of vehicles into areas that cannot handle the load,” he explained. - The 32-km Tunnel Project – A “Foolish” Move:
Addressing the proposed 32-km tunnel from Khadakwasla Dam to Fursungi, Patil termed the project unnecessary. He argued that the claimed saving of 1.5 to 2 TMC of water could be achieved simply by desilting the dam during the summer months. “Removing the silt would not only increase water capacity but also provide fertile soil to farmers, quadrupling their yield. Moreover, where will the administration dump the massive debris (malba) excavated from a 32-km tunnel?” he asked. - Immediate Traffic Solutions via Canal Roads:
Patil suggested a cost-effective alternative to Pune’s traffic woes. He urged the Commissioner to clear and open the roads running parallel to the city’s canals for two-wheelers. Currently, these spaces are being used as dumping grounds, whereas they could immediately solve a significant portion of the city’s traffic congestion if managed properly. - The Water Crisis and Administrative Apathy:
Expressing deep empathy for the common citizen, Patil highlighted the irony of Pune being the ‘Oxford of the East.’ While 70% of the population struggles for basic water, with women walking kilometers for a single pot, officials sit in air-conditioned offices with high salaries. “It is a matter of shame that we cannot provide water to our citizens while we talk about world-class infrastructure,” Patil added.
Call to Action:
Suresh Patil urged the media to hold the Municipal Commissioner and the Irrigation Department officials accountable. He called for an immediate halt to projects that do not serve the public interest and demanded a shift toward practical, ground-level urban planning.
For Media Inquiries:
Office of Suresh Patil & Associates
Date: February 23, 2026
