Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for two National Highway projects in Pune, Maharashtra in presence of Sh. Devendra Fadanvis, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra and Sh. Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Co-operation, Govt. of India.
These include the four-laning of a 13 km stretch from Dive Ghat to Hadapsar on the Mohol-Alandi section of NH-965 (Palkhi Marg Package VI) and the construction of major bridges on the Mula-Mutha River along with service roads from Sinhagad Road to Warje on the Pune-Satara section of NH-48.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Sh. Nitin Gadkari said that the widening and upgradation of Hadapsar to duve Ghat section of NH-965 is going to play major role in reducing congestion on this section. It will also help the devotees for a safe and pleasant journey in Palkhi Yatra. The resting places will be developed along the palkhi margs through MSIDC, he added.
He said that the construction of Major bridges along the Mula and Mutha river, widening of service road from Narhe to navale bridge and further connectivity from sinhagad road to warje will reduce the traffic congestion in these areas.
He said that NHAI has also invited the tender for elevated corridor in Nashik Phata Khed section of NH60, the project worth Rs. 7500 Cr.
Further, the DPR has been completed for the development of Ravet to Narhe elevated corridor, the project worth Rs. 5000 Cr. The project will be started in December-2024, he stated during the address. He informed that Elevated Corridors of Talegaon Chakan Shikrapur section of Nh-548D and Pune-Shirur section of NH-753F will be developed by MSIDC. The DPR for New Mumbai -Bangalore expressway has been planned to connect two cities and to reduce the travel time from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, he further added.
These projects aim to enhance connectivity between Pune, Satara, and Solapur, providing a smoother journey for devotees travelling to the sacred temple of Lord Vitthal. Additionally, the stretches will facilitate faster travel, alleviate traffic congestion, and boost local economies.
The project is going to benefit: –
- Connecting Devotees across the Nation and beyond to “Lord Vitthal”.
- Dedicated Walkway for “Palkhi” on either side of NH.
- Hassle free and safe passage for “Devotees”.
- Relief from traffic congestion on entire stretch leading to saving of time & fuel.
- Agricultural produce and local products to get easy access to bigger market.
- Nearly 9-10 Lakh Warkaris take part in the Palkhi Yatra procession
- Will reduce the accidents in Pune Satara and Solapur district.
- Will reduce traffic congestion in urban areas of Pune.
The inauguration event was attended by Sh. Chandrakant Dada Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Textile Parliamentary Affairs, Smt. Supriya Sule, MP Baramati, Divisional Commissioner.