"Government Approves ₹793 Crore for Widening Dive Ghat-Hadapsar Stretch"

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), Nitin Gadkari, has greenlit a financial allocation of Rs. 792.39 crore for the expansion of the 13.25 km stretch along the palkhi route from Dive Ghat to Hadapsar on National Highway 965. The move is aimed at enhancing road infrastructure and ensuring a smoother experience for pilgrims.

The designated stretch, falling under the Mohol-Alandi section of the National Highway, currently operates as a two-lane road. The sanctioned funds are earmarked for the transformation of this two-lane stretch into a four-lane road. The road widening project will be executed using the hybrid annuity model, as stated by the ministry.

Welcoming the announcement, warkaris expressed their optimism and urged the government to expedite the project, aspiring for completion before next year's Ashadhi Ekadashi—a significant pilgrimage event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone in November 2019 for the palkhi routes, designed for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi from Alandi and Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi from Dehu to Pandharpur during the Ashadhi Wari.

In addition to easing traffic congestion in the Hadapsar and Dive Ghat section, the four-laning initiative is expected to facilitate the movement of warkaris during the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage. The pilgrimage sees nearly 10 lakh warkaris accompanying the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi.

Nitin Gadkari emphasized the potential benefits of the road expansion, addressing traffic issues and enhancing safety for pilgrims. The recent accidents involving warkaris on Pune-Solapur and Pune-Nashik highways have underscored the urgency of improving road infrastructure.

The compensation announcement by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the deceased warkaris reflects the gravity of the recent accidents. Warkaris, appreciating the government's commitment to road improvement, have urged swift completion of the land acquisition process for the four-laning project, especially in Pune district.

Vikas Dhage, a trustee of the Shree Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi committee, stressed the need for expeditious land acquisition to accelerate the widening work, ensuring a safer and smoother pilgrimage experience for warkaris.

TOI