September 1, 2020: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on August 30 inaugurated three bridges and two road improvement projects in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, through video conferencing.
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on August 30 inaugurated three bridges and two road improvement projects in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, through video conferencing. Gadkari also laid foundation stones for four other major bridge projects across the rivers Wainganga, Bandiya, Perikota and Perimili.
“The all-weather road network in far-flung areas of Naxal affected districts, like Gadchiroli, will improve the socio-economic development in the region. In the coming two years or so, the Gadchiroli district will see an all-round transformation,” the Minister remarked.
The projects inaugurated were:
- 855 metre major bridge across Pranahita river on Nizamabad – Jagdalpur road (NH 63) at a cost of Rs 168 crores.
- 630 metre high-level bridge across the Indravati river near Patagudam on Nizamabad – Jagdalpur road (NH 63) at a cost of Rs 248 crores.
- 30 metre high-level bridge near Lankachen on Bejurpalli – Aheri road.
- Improvement of Bejurpalli-Aheri road (SH 275) between Watra and Moyabinpeta.
- Improvement of Garanji – Pustola road.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said that with the construction of these key bridges, the National Highway connectivity in Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh–Telangana is complete now. “This is a dream which has come true after nearly 25 years. It was conceived when I was a minister in Maharashtra.”
Gadkari said the total length of National Highway in Gadchiroli district increased from 54 km to 647 km during his tenure.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved 44 road projects of 541 km length with an outlay of Rs 1,740 crores for Gadchiroli district.
Gadkari complimented the engineers and contractors who completed the construction of bridges in Gadchiroli, despite the fear of Naxals. He informed that the bridge across river Indravati was completed under very trying and warlike conditions. A police station had to be set up in order to help construct the bridge.
The Union Minister also laid the foundation stones for 4 major bridges on Perimilli, Bandiya, Pearikota, and Waingagana rivers in the district. The existing bridges across these rivers are narrow and often get submerged during monsoons.
The bridge across the Wainganga River of approximately 825 meters will improve the connectivity between Gadchiroli and Chandrapur District.
Gadkari asked NHAI officials to utilise the saved amount of Rs 50 crore to construct 14 minor bridges and ensure seamless transportation in otherwise inaccessible areas of Gadchiroli districts.
The Union Minister also promised to approve the 35 km road development between Alapalli – Bamragarh this year and the remaining 65 km in the next financial year.
He also sought the state government’s nod to connect Desaiganj – Brahmapuri with Nagpur under the Broad Gauge metro connectivity plan, which would reduce the travel time to 75 minutes from the current 2.5 hours.
Speaking about his vision for the development of backward areas, Gadkari said that with bamboo available in plenty, Gadchiroli can become the hub of Agarbatti manufacturing, whose import has now been stopped.
There is a scope to set up 100 units, which would give employment to local people, he said. Gadkari requested the State Public Works Minister Eknath Shinde to explore various avenues for job creation in Gadchiroli with a target of providing employment to 10,000 youth.
Maharashtra PWD Minister Ashok Chavan said that road development in Gadchiroli would help industrial development, job creation, and uplift of living standards of people, besides helping in the maintenance of law and order.
Source: DNA
