Delay in release of funds holds up Old Bhandara Road widening
| Date :21-Jul-2022 |
Staff Reporter
Indifferent stance of Maharashtra Government towards critical infrastructure projects of city is the prime reason behind stalled project of widening the Old Bhandara Road to 18 metres. The road-widening would enable restoring normalcy in the wholesale markets where buyers face severe inconvenience due to very narrow roads.
Hanging fire since last five years, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) however, lobbed the ball in State Government’s court, saying till land acquisition is not completed, widening the road to 18 meters as proposed is not possible.
Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B had communicated the urgency to Principal Secretary-II, Urban Development Department, Maharashtra, through a communication in October 2021. This was follow-up of previous year similar letter from then Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Munde to UDD seeking early release of the funds.
As per the agreement, from the total cost of project pegged at Rs 185.03 crore, 70 per cent share was to be borne by State Government and 30 per cent by NMC. NMC had adopted a resolution in House on September 29, 2018, to seek funds for land acquisition from State Government. Also, the House granted authorisation to NMC to put aside Rs 55.51 crore as 30 per cent its share for the road widening from near Mayo Hospital entrance gate till Sunil Hotel, Satranjipura.
Incidentally, UDD had already given administrative sanction to estimate of Rs 129.52 crore to be provided through Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Nagarothan Mahaabhiyan for widening of Old Bhandara Road to NMC. However. till date NMC is awaiting disbursal of funds and hence the project is still in limbo even as situation in market calls for immediate solution so that shoppers can shop at convenience.
The fresh letter from NMC referred to release of Rs 100.15 crore through Central Road Fund (CRF) meant to be utilised for road widening and construction of new road. Municipal Commissioner, however, said due to delay in completing land acquisition, the civic body is unable to carry forward the work. The agency tasked with construction of road is repeatedly questioning NMC about reasons for delay in compensation to affected property owners. Major problem is absence of parking and the narrow strip that is now Old Bhandara Road results in traffic snarls during the peak afternoon and evening hours. Much of time of people visiting the market is wasted is negotiating the haphazard parked vehicles and finding a way through the maze of jams.
In the said letter, Municipal Commissioner outlined that 631 properties are needed to be acquired NMC on its own has so far acquired 41 privately owned buildings. The NMC from its pocket has so far utilised Rs. 25.09 crores for the land acquisition.
However, Madhya Nagpur Vikas Aghadi whose PIL led to directions from Nagpur Bench of HC for road widening said atleast NMC can vacate its own properties on Old Bhandara Road. Also it should expedite acquisition of NIT's and State Government buildings, said Bhushan Dadwe, Convenor, Aghadi.