Entire face of Gadchiroli will be transformed in around two years, due to road network connectivity projects: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated through video link, three important bridges and two road improvement projects in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.  The Minister also laid foundation stones for four other major bridge projects across the rivers Wainganga, Bandiya, Perikota and Perimili.  These projects are considered crucial for improving mobility for socio-economic development of the Gadchiroli district.

The projects inaugurated today 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, Shri Nitin Gadkari said 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, when it was conceived when I was a Minister in Maharashtra”.

Shri Gadkari said the total length of National Highway in Gadchiroli district has increased from 54 kms to 647 kms during his tenure.  Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved 44 road projects of 541 kms length with an outlay of Rs 1,740 crores for Gadchiroli district.

“The all-weather  road network in far flung areas of Naxal affected districts like Gadchiroli will improve the socio-economic development in the region and in upcoming two years or so the Gadchiroli district will see an all-round transformation” the  Minister remarked.

The Minister whole heartedly 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 war like conditions. A police station had to be set up in order to help construct the bridge.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also laid the foundation stones for 4 Major Bridges on Perimilli, Bandiya ,Pearikota and Waingagana River 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. The Minister also asked NHAI officials to utilize the saved amount of Rs.50 cr  during the works of Major bridges to construct 14 Minor Bridges  and ensure seamless transportation in otherwise  inaccessible areas of Gadchiroli districts.

Shri Gadkari also promised to approve the 35 km road development between Alapalli – Bamragarh this year and the remaining 65 kms in the next financial year. The Minister 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 and half ours.

Speaking about his vision for development of backward areas in the capacity of a MSME Minister, Shri Gadkari said with bamboo available in plenty, Gadchiroli can become the hub of Agarbatti manufacturing, whose import has now been stopped.  He said there is a scope to set up 100 units, which would give employment to local people. The Minister also said that he is initiating project for conversion of rice to ethanol in Gadchiroli as part of bio-fuel development programme. “This will provide greater value for rice growers and also create jobs” he added. Shri Gadkari requested the State Public Works Minister Shri Eknath Shinde to explore various avenues for job creation in Gadchiroli with a target of providing employment to 10,000 youth.

MoS RTH Gen V K Singh complimented the completion of developmental Road projects in the area, and said, this will go a long way in mainstreaming of people living in LWE areas. He said, an area progressed only when infrastructure is developed there. He said, with more and more infra projects coming up in these areas, the extremism is coming down gradually.

Maharshtra PWD Minister Shri Ashok Chavan said road development in Gadchiroli would help industrial development, job creation and uplift of living standards of people, besides helping in maintenance of law and order.  MP Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha constituency Shri Ashok Nete, other public representatives and officials of Central and State Government were present.

Wainganga Bridge Project

Wainganga river, which divides Gadchiroli & Chandrapur Districts is one of the important rivers in the State of Maharashtra. Due to current condition of bridge situated on Wainganga, commuters are facing many difficulties. People living in the tribal-dominated areas of Ballarpur, Kothari, Gondpimpri & Ashti are facing challenges regarding employment opportunities, Import & Export of agricultural products, market access, medical amenities and transportation. To eliminate hardships of the people, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari proposed construction of an ambitious project to construct bridge on Wainganga river, along National Highway 353 B, at a total cost of Rs. 99 Crore, to be completed by NHAI and PWD. The proposed bridge will bring prosperity to small villages in the districts of Gadchiroli & Chandrapur.