New Katraj Tunnel Closed Again!!!

pilbeam · 27th September 2006, 20:47

It turns out that the tunnel was opened only temporarily to allow repairs to be carried out to the old Katraj tunnel. There's no ventilation yet in the new tunnel, and that's being done now. Its not clear when the new tunnel would be opened permanently.

I heard from a friend that it was possible to use the new tunnel even before it opened temporarily - by paying the official guarding it some twenty odd bucks. This may still be the case

.

Cheers,
Deepak

rahul_intlad · 27th September 2006, 22:38

Saw an ad from NHAI asking people to refrain from using the new tunnel as it was not safe yet for traffic.

Do pay heed and stay away from the new tunnel until it is declared safe.

pilbeam · 27th September 2006, 22:51

The biggest problem with the new tunnel is the lack of ventilation. If at all anyone does decide to use it, it would be vital to have the windows rolled up and the AC on.

I agree with Rahul - avoiding the tunnel is best. Hopefully it won't be long before it is "officially" open.

Deepak

EVO6 · 28th September 2006, 20:01

The tunnel will be opening officially in another 15 days.. the news has come in the newspaper...
Yes it was opened because the ghat section was so bad that there was no way to repair it without have to divert the traffic thru the tunnel..
Cheers

shrivz · 30th October 2006, 09:04

just came to mahabaleshwar yesterday.. the tunnel isnt open yet..

rahul_intlad · 5th January 2007, 19:47

Think the tunnel is open now.However can anyone else also confirm.

GTO perhaps after your panchgani trip you will be able to help.

hvkumar · 5th January 2007, 21:15

The Katraj bypass tunnel is open for the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the South side (towards Satara) is a total mess and I got jammed for over 45 minutes in the 1/2 km stretch leading to the tunnel simply because there is some repair work going on in the road climbing up to the Katraj Pass (which is also the common road to reach the tunnel). The tunnel reduces your travel time by over 20 minutes and without any tension.

27th September 2006, 20:47	#1
pilbeam Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 4 Thanked: 0 Times	It turns out that the tunnel was opened only temporarily to allow repairs to be carried out to the old Katraj tunnel. There's no ventilation yet in the new tunnel, and that's being done now. Its not clear when the new tunnel would be opened permanently. I heard from a friend that it was possible to use the new tunnel even before it opened temporarily - by paying the official guarding it some twenty odd bucks. This may still be the case . Cheers, Deepak
	() Thanks

27th September 2006, 22:38	#2
rahul_intlad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 1,579 Thanked: 4 Times	Saw an ad from NHAI asking people to refrain from using the new tunnel as it was not safe yet for traffic. Do pay heed and stay away from the new tunnel until it is declared safe. Last edited by rahul_intlad : 27th September 2006 at 22:42.
	() Thanks

27th September 2006, 22:51	#3
pilbeam Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 4 Thanked: 0 Times	The biggest problem with the new tunnel is the lack of ventilation. If at all anyone does decide to use it, it would be vital to have the windows rolled up and the AC on. I agree with Rahul - avoiding the tunnel is best. Hopefully it won't be long before it is "officially" open. Deepak
	() Thanks

28th September 2006, 20:01	#4
EVO6 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pune Posts: 488 Thanked: 11 Times	The tunnel will be opening officially in another 15 days.. the news has come in the newspaper... Yes it was opened because the ghat section was so bad that there was no way to repair it without have to divert the traffic thru the tunnel.. Cheers
	() Thanks

30th October 2006, 09:04	#5
shrivz BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pune, MH12 Posts: 604 Thanked: 96 Times View My Garage	just came to mahabaleshwar yesterday.. the tunnel isnt open yet..
	() Thanks

5th January 2007, 19:47	#6
rahul_intlad Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 1,579 Thanked: 4 Times	Think the tunnel is open now.However can anyone else also confirm. GTO perhaps after your panchgani trip you will be able to help. Last edited by rahul_intlad : 5th January 2007 at 19:49.
	() Thanks

5th January 2007, 21:15	#7
hvkumar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 7,369 Thanked: 3,454 Times	The Katraj bypass tunnel is open for the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the South side (towards Satara) is a total mess and I got jammed for over 45 minutes in the 1/2 km stretch leading to the tunnel simply because there is some repair work going on in the road climbing up to the Katraj Pass (which is also the common road to reach the tunnel). The tunnel reduces your travel time by over 20 minutes and without any tension.
	() Thanks