Pune: Work on Sinhagad road to be complete by May 31: Public Works Department

Pune: The Public Works Department (PWD) has said that the work on Sinhagad road from Nanded City to Sinhagad foothills will be completed by May 31. Superintendent of Engineers Atul Chavan said instructions have been given to the contractor to complete the pending works on this road immediately.

Cement concreting and asphalting of the road from Nanded City to Donje-Sinhagad foothills, Khanapur, and Pabe villages on Sinhagad road was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 210 crore. The work was expected to be completed in two years. But more than half the work is still remaining. Due to the slow pace of work, the road has become prone to accidents and traffic jams.

Chavan admitted that the road work was stalled and that the removal of roadside power poles and trees was delayed. Also, the work could not be completed on time due to the pandemic. He further clarified that the work will be completed in time, keeping in mind safety and speed.

Executive Engineer (North) Bappa Bahir said, “The safety of the citizens will be taken care of while continuing the road work from Nanded City to Pabe. The contractor has been instructed to take necessary measures in this regard. The Public Works Department is monitoring the quality of work,”.

Vivek Welankar of ‘Sajag Nagarik Manch’ questioned whether the PWD have sufficient funds to work till May 31, or, whether how efficiently is the work being carried out. He said, “Citizens are expected to know when the work will start and be completed. It is imperative to publish this complete information on the website to bring transparency in the work. In case of delay in work, penal action should be taken against the contractor. Citizens should be given advance notice if work is to start at a place, so as to avoid traffic jams.