Pune: Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has voiced his displeasure with the Maharashtra state government over the deteriorating condition of major roads, particularly the Old Mumbai-Pune and Kalyan-Nagar highways.
Speaking at a public event in Pune, Gadkari did not hold back in his criticism, giving the state government a three-month deadline to repair the roads or face the prospect of the central government taking control of the projects.
Despite the fact that these roads are under the state's jurisdiction, Gadkari expressed frustration, saying, "I’m the one getting all the criticism for these roads, even though the responsibility lies with the state government."
He announced that notices have already been sent regarding the old Mumbai-Pune highway and the Kalyan-Nagar road, warning that if repairs are not completed within three months, the contracts for these roads could be canceled.
Gadkari’s strong remarks come in response to widespread public complaints about the poor condition of these key highways, which are crucial for connectivity.
"The state collects tolls from the old Mumbai-Pune road and the Kalyan-Nagar highway, but the roads are in a deplorable state," he said, adding that if the state fails to act, the central government will take over and ensure that the work is done.
Gadkari also reminisced about an earlier episode when the Maharashtra government, under the Congress-NCP coalition, approached him for help with the Mumbai-Pune highway.
At the time, Karandikar, the then managing director, told Gadkari that the project was running at a loss and had accumulated debts. "Sharad Pawar personally called me and said, ‘Nitin, even though the state government has changed, the Mumbai-Pune expressway is your brainchild, and you must find a solution,’" Gadkari recalled.
In response, Gadkari handed over the old Mumbai-Pune highway to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), with clear terms: they were to maintain the road and construct all the necessary bridges.
However, according to Gadkari, the MSRDC sold the road for ₹8,000 crore but failed to complete the necessary repairs and maintenance. "Now, local MLAs come to me with complaints about the road, even though the responsibility lies with the state government," he added.